A CHEF in Bruton has taken a brave step into business ownership by converting his house into a restaurant.

Food lovers will get the chance of a sneak preview of Matt's Kitchen during late night shopping in Bruton on December 8.

Matt Watson, 38, has been living in the town for 10 years and was inspired to open his own restaurant after seeing his brother's success.

"I have always had a love of cooking and my mum got me into the kitchen at an early age," he said.

"My brother is expanding his restaurant in Whitstable so I thought, why not set my own up?"

The small restaurant in the High Street will have a family feel with a dish of the day served for up to 16 diners at a time.

Mr Watson is confident he can get planning permission granted later this month so he can expand the kitchen further.

He used to work for festival caterers In the Field and received a glowing recommendation from a hip-hop legend.

Matt said: "I was working at the Bloc weekend festival and Grandmaster Flash said my jerk chicken was the best he had tasted.

"We will be serving good wholesome food in the restaurant with locally sourced seasonal produce.

"There will only be myself and one front of house staff member so it should have a really personal feel.

"We will serve one dish a day and have two vegetarian days and three meat or fish dish days.

"So there should be something for everyone.

"We will reveal a new menu for daily dishes each week and also serve up soups and terrines."

"There are some great restaurants in Bruton but they are not all affordable so hopefully our approach will let us serve up good food at good prices.

"We are having a taster session during the late night shopping in Bruton on December 8.

"Hopefully after that more people will be aware of us.

"We can only do 16 covers at a time but we want to get to the stage where we can book out the whole restaurant for an evening.

"It will make an ideal venue for Christmas parties or birthdays.

"If we get planning permission we can also revamp the kitchen."

The restaurant will be open for lunchtime service Monday to Friday and on Monday and Friday evenings.

Matt's Kitchen will also have a bring-your-own alcohol policy to help keep costs down for his customers.

To inquire about availability contact Matt on 07930 575198 or email matt@mattskitchen.co.uk.