About Us

Matt's Story

Matt was born and grew up in Durban, South Africa before moving to the UK in his early twenties. After several years of working in finance, he sought a change from "the rat race" and went out in search of fulfilling his dream: setting up a business and becoming his own boss. Matt's passion for coffee sparked opening what was first known as The Deli - and after meeting Lauren on a ski trip whilst working as a chef on superyachts but secretly searching for a way to plant her feet on terra firma - pairing her love for food with his caffeine addiction seemed like the perfect match.

In his spare time, Matt will be found by the beach, whether it's kitesurfing or enjoying exploring a new place, his South African roots will always take him back to the ocean!

Lauren's Story

Originally from Lancashire, Lauren moved away to university and never returned. Having always had a bug for travelling, studying French at university was really just a gateway into doing more of it. She found herself living in the South of France after graduating where she discovered the superyacht industry and decided to take a leap of faith, pursuing an intensive stint in culinary school that allowed her to work as a private chef whilst sailing the seas.

After seven years of cooking for the rich and famous across the Med and the Caribbean, it felt like the right time to plant her feet in one place so after Matt's suggestion to take onboard the project in Oxted, the business partnership only felt natural.

Some of the flavours of her travels have inspired the menu at Bru & Bear and she loves being able to share her creations with the community.