the team
Who We Are
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Matt was born and grew up in Durban, South Africa before moving to the UK in his early twenties. He started out building stages for music festivals before moving into the financial world where he worked for Sky and Thames Tideway. After some personal events prompting his change in mindset, he took a sabbatical from "the rat race" and went out in search of fulfulling his dream: setting up a business and becoming his own boss. Matt's passion for coffee meant opening what was first known as The Deli was a no-brainer. In his spare time, Matt will be found by the beach, whether it's kitesurfing or enjoying exploring a new adventure, his South African roots will always take him back to the ocean!
Matt - "Bru" - Owner
Lauren - "Bear" - Owner
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Born and raised in 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 quickly decided on making a career of working on superyachts, but not before an intensive stint in culinary school that allowed her to work as a private chef. After seven years of working at sea and cooking for the rich and famous, it felt like time to plant her feet in one place so after meeting Matt on a ski trip and sharing their visions for the future, the business partnership only felt natural. She has brought some of the flavours of her travels to the menu at Bru & Bear and loves being able to share her creations with the community.
Hope
Joining the team in December 2020 during her university holidays, Hope quickly found home at Bru. She's since graduated with a First in History from Sheffield University and become full time with us, bringing the best playlists and positive energy each day she works. She's multi-talented and is equally as great a barista as she is at making brunch and will be sure to welcome you with a smile! Her coffee choice is an Oat Milk Cortado and with a vegan diet chooses the Smashed Avocado with Roasted Tomatoes for brunch at Bru.