A renowned Beverley restaurant run by twins is gearing up to mark two decades in service and still going strong. The Westwood, in the Grade II-listed former Georgian courthouse on New Walk, opened its doors in 2007 and went on to secure AA Rosettes as well as a recommendation by the Michelin Guide.
The restaurant is the work of brother and sister Matt and Michele Barker, who returned from years running food and drink operations across the world. They had spent time leading parts of the food scene in cities such as Sydney, New York and London.
Matt, who is chef director at The Westwood, has cooked in the kitchens of high-end restaurants and for travel and hospitality providers. Previously working for Virgin Atlantic, as a food development manager for Asia and America, he spearheaded the creation of dishes served at 40,000 ft and in the airline’s lounges.
Meanwhile, Michele, who is a director at The Westwood, worked as a general manager and led openings of New York, Sydney and London restaurants ranging from Michelin-Starred restaurants and super-brasseries to neighbourhood restaurants.
The pair would meet for lunch or dinner in any city they were both passing through or working in, and began to talk about launching their own venture. That evolved into putting their international experience into a hometown restaurant.
Since opening, The Westwood is said to have catered for about 500,000 guests. Matt and his team serve up a varied menu including steaks, wild fish and a range of luxurious sides and starters.
The venue’s interior is created by Michele with nods to different chapters in the siblings’ careers. A ‘wine wall’ centrepiece in the private dining area, a “moody” and rich colour pallet and specialist lighting are intended to show their experience in the international culinary world.
Michele Barker said: “We wanted to bring elements of our experiences with food from across the globe to our home in East Yorkshire. Matt and I both loved the atmosphere and honest food of super-brasseries in New York, and the design-led interiors of Sydney restaurants, which served dishes that customers know and love but that felt just a little bit extra special. “
Matt Barker said: “Beverley is home for us and twenty years here feels like a special milestone for us. We are so grateful for the wonderful customers who have returned to us time and time again over the two-decades. Looking ahead, our focus is on continuing to serve excellent-quality food, provide a great atmosphere, and offer a warm welcome.”
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