Matthew Dickinson- Restaurant Manager
Matthew trained as a hotel manager on the Isle of Mull before returning to Cheltenham to join the Lumière team. Passionate about hospitality, he excels at guiding guests through the menu and enhancing their dining experience.
Matthew brings both precision and warmth to service, ensuring every visit is seamless. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, whisky, and refereeing football matches.
What makes a wine truly memorable for you?
When it tells you something about where it comes from. Wines with a real sense of place tend to stay with you — there’s a clarity and honesty to them.
Do you choose wine with your head or your palate?
Always the palate first. You can analyse a wine endlessly, but if it doesn’t give you that immediate sense of enjoyment, it doesn’t really matter.
What do you look for when pairing wine with a dish?
Balance. Something that complements without taking over. The best pairings feel effortless, like they were always meant to sit together.
Is there a style of wine you always return to? Why?
Champagne and English sparkling. There’s precision, energy and versatility there — they work across so many moments.
What’s the moment in service you enjoy the most?
When a guest tries something new and you can see it land — that moment of surprise or recognition. That’s what it’s all about.