Matty's Chop Shop — Review by Eating With Tod
Penan, United Kingdom — Barbecue
Matty's Chop Shop is a hidden backyard barbecue restaurant in Wales offering fine dining barbecue experiences with a set menu for £85. The reviewer was impressed by every course from bone marrow butter through smoked pork belly, pretzel mac and cheese, to a spectacular 32-day dry-aged steak finished with charcoal-seared butter. The experience combines exceptional food with an educational tour of Matty's collection of smokers and cooking equipment from around the world.
What was great: Exceptional quality of smoked meats, creative presentations like bone marrow butter and pretzel mac and cheese, the educational experience and tour of the backyard setup, locally sourced ingredients, generous portion sizes, skilled cooking techniques with fire and charcoal finishing, the unique concept of fine dining barbecue in a home setting, friendly owner Matty who shares his knowledge throughout the meal
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The meal began with bone marrow butter served inside a bone stick, accompanied by sourdough. The butter had a subtle beefy taste with a significant smoke infusion. Next came a charred onion with cream sauce and parsley-garlic oil, which was exceptionally sweet with balsamic glaze finishing and a refreshing basil oil top note.
The first main course was smoked pork belly or poor man's burnt ends, smoked for three hours then caramelized in Matty's secret sauce. The meat was so tender it cut like butter, incredibly juicy, and paired with apple slices that provided crucial acidity and reminded the reviewer of Korean barbecue flavors. This dish took eight hours total from start to finish.
A smoked mac and cheese followed, topped with a secret salty pretzel mix that added unexpected crunch and texture. The pasta was perfectly al dente and kissed by the flames. The star of the show was the chimichurri steak, a 32-day dry-aged beef slab cooked over fire and finished with a charcoal sear on top of melted butter. It was sliced into inch-and-a-half thick pieces, evenly pink throughout, and paired with beef dripping potatoes and charred cabbage. The chimichurri was infused with smoke and finished with balsamic glaze. The meal concluded with cornbread brownie and smoked cream.
The Experience
The setting is Matty's own backyard transformed into an open-air fine dining establishment. Guests receive a tour of the property, seeing the multiple smokers and cooking equipment Matty has collected from his travels as a former touring musician. The atmosphere is educational and immersive, with Matty explaining techniques and ingredients as he cooks. Service is intimate and personalized, with the owner directly interacting with guests throughout the meal. The vibe is elevated yet homely, like attending a high-level dinner party rather than a traditional restaurant.
Value & Pricing
The set menu is priced at £85 per person. Guests can bring their own alcohol or receive complimentary beer with the meal. For the quality of ingredients, the skill level, the generous portions, the educational component, and the unique experience, the pricing represents exceptional value. Matty's bookings sell out rapidly through Instagram, with 225 spaces for winter dates selling out in just four hours.
Notable Moments
"I wish more fine dining restaurants served a main course this big."
"You could be a hoarder but as long as you stick it on the walls that's fine."
"Everything tastes homely but elevated."
"I get to live at my house and work here and just make up stuff and meet fantastic people and go to festivals and just live."
The Verdict
Matty's Chop Shop represents a revolutionary approach to fine dining by bringing restaurant-quality techniques and presentations to a backyard setting. Every course is a highlight, with particular praise for the smoked pork belly and the signature steak preparation. The experience transcends food, offering education and genuine connection with a passionate chef. This restaurant is best for adventurous diners seeking unique experiences, couples looking for a memorable date, food enthusiasts interested in barbecue techniques, and anyone who appreciates the convergence of exceptional food with genuine hospitality. Booking is essential through Instagram as dates fill instantly.