A CHEF from Dorset who worked under Marco Pierre White is celebrating the best of the British coast with his extensive seafood menu as he launches out of lockdown.

Fine food really is the name of the game for Matt Cook, owner and head chef of Maison Sax who has curated his menu to feature the best of the coast. 

He began his career in hospitality as a thirteen-year-old working as a kitchen porter in Wareham, Dorset. He subsequently completed his City and Guilds qualification in Bournemouth & Poole catering college, which included half a year working as a Pastry Chef at Hotel Bretagne in Questembert, France.

Matt stayed in France and worked in Morzine and Courchevel, before moving on to neighbouring Switzerland, and later to Australia, before setting sail on-board a Royal Caribbean ship.

Inspired by his worldly travels Matt decided to head back to his stomping ground of Dorset and take over Maison Sax in 2019. 

Sice then he has carefully curated each dish, informed by his many years of experience in the industry, including working under Marco Pierre White.

Fresh oysters are sourced from the Poole Bay and served with shallot vinegar. They are sold individually as well as in half dozen and dozen sets for groups or those who really want to indulge.

Beyond oysters, the menu celebrates a range of seafood; from the tiger prawn and avocado stack to Spanish-style grilled sardines and local scallops served with morcilla sausage and seaweed butter.

Sharing platters of meat, fish and cheese are on offer to cater to all taste buds as well as gastropub classics including a range of burgers, sourdough sandwiches and a sirloin steak.

Fruity desserts take center stage with delights such as citrus tart & elderflower sorbet, Dorset apple cake and fruit pavlova. Sweet tooths will be satisfied by the chocolate mousse.

In true Dorset style, afternoon tea is offered with three different variations on the classic available everyday between 3pm and 5pm. Other special events on the menu include the sunday lunch and bottomless brunch. 

What are your favourite seafood restaurants in the area? Let us know in the comments.