The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg has announced that Matthew Foxon will join the team as Executive Chef.

Bringing his passion for sustainability and his brand of classic cuisine with contemporary influences to bear across the property’s F&B spaces, the chef will be responsible for the entire culinary journey at the hotel.

Foxon’s career began at the International Hotel School in Johannesburg in 2003, where he completed a two-year advanced diploma in professional cookery. Following this training, he earned his stripes in luxury hotels across South Africa, including the Michelangelo and the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel.

The chef relocated to London in 2005 where he ran the kitchens of the award-winning Greyhound at Battersea restaurant, before he moved on to The Rosendale in South London as Head Chef and later the Criterion Restaurant in 2009 as Executive Chef.

Foxon also appeared on MasterChef UK, guest-starring in two seasons of the show as well as on Celebrity MasterChef in 2014. In addition to these appearances, he also featured in Hotel GB with Chef Gordon Ramsey in 2012.

From Criterion, Chef Matthew moved on to the New Street Grill as Head Chef in 2014. The New Street Grill is a re-invented traditional British Grill restaurant with a dedication to local produce – playing into the chef’s passion for the very best ingredients.

In 2017 he returned to South Africa and was appointed as Executive Chef at 54 on Bath in Johannesburg. With him at the helm, the hotel’s Level Four Restaurant became a popular destination in Johannesburg, with the menu featuring the chef’s bold signature style and distinctive flair.

“I am excited to bring my ethos of sustainability and respect for the produce to the Saxon Hotel, working with the kitchen brigade to ensure that the renowned Saxon dining journey continue to offer guests the dining experience they have come to expect,” says Matthew Foxon.

Saxon Managing Director George Cohen also comments: “Chef Matthew joins us as we embark on a new journey at the Saxon. He is a multi-talented chef with experience in hotels and restaurants both locally and internationally. The team and I are looking forward to the greater heights the Saxon culinary journey will achieve under his guidance.”