After a devastating workplace accident that led to the amputation of his arm, former chef Matt Davies has turned personal tragedy into a mission to help others.
About Matt
He began his culinary career at London’s Savoy Hotel through a college training award, gaining a grounding in classic fine dining. In the mid‑1980s he moved to Birmingham to apprentice under Andreas Antona at The Plough & Harrow, an experience that set the course for his career.
He later joined Antona at Simpsons Restaurant, helping to run one of the Midlands’ most celebrated kitchens and building a reputation across multiple Michelin‑listed and AA Rosette venues.
THE INCIDENT
Matt suffered a life-changing electric shock around October 2017 while preparing for lunch service at a restaurant in Staffordshire. The incident involved a 32-amp current that severely injured his left arm.
As a result of the incident, Matt was forced to leave the industry after having his arm amputated.
Matt is also the vice president of The British Culinary Federation and champion charity fundraiser for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he received treatment.
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Since the incident, despite enduring more than 70 gruelling operations, living with chronic pain and PTSD, Matt has gone on to raise over £125,000 for various charities including Hospitality Action.
The dinner
On September 11, for one night only, the original team from The Plough & Harrow – where Matt first joined the brigade – will reunite in the kitchen to support his latest fundraising event.
Remarkably, it marks the first time in almost four decades that this celebrated team has cooked together, promising an evening steeped in nostalgia and culinary history.
The event includes a glass of champagne on arrival followed by a five-course dinner with tea and coffee.
A post on social media read: “After a serious accident at work, Matt Davies launched into fundraising mode and has since raised over £100k for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, Fisher House and Hospitality Action.
“Back in the mid 1980’s Matt was Chef Andreas’ first ever apprentice at The Plough & Harrow on the Hagley Road, Birmingham. After an illustrious career in the Midlands and Staffordshire, including holding the position of Chair of the British Culinary Federation, Matt had a life changing accident at work, resulting in hundreds of operations at the QE Birmingham and eventually, having to have his arm amputated.
“On September 11, for one night only, the team that Matt joined at The Plough & Harrow, come back together to support Matt in his next fundraising event. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the team are back in the kitchen!
“This is not to be missed! Join us for Champagne on arrival, and a 5 course dinner including tea and coffee for this very special evening here at Simpsons.”
Booking can be made here.
written by abi kinsella
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