Tommy Matthews
Listen to our episode of Birmingham food podcast Breaking Bread with Tommy Matthews co-creator of a new cocktail bar Passing Fancies in the Custard Factory, Digbeth. Press play on the player above. Alternatively, listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on this LINK
Who Is Passing Fancies Creator Tommy Matthews?
Hello & welcome to the Birmingham food podcast breaking bread. Co-hosted by food-obsessed mates Liam & Carl. Breaking Bread gives you long-form interviews & discussions with the incredible people who make Brums food scene so unique.
This week we have the pleasure of breaking bread with Tommy Matthews. Originally from Yorkshire, Tommy made his way to Brum via Australia. While in Australia Tommy worked in pubs & bars to meet people & travel.
Although a fully trained accountant, Tommy caught the hospitality bug and decided to make a career in the sector. After a while of working for a giant commercial chain bar, Tommy got a big break getting a job at the illustrious Edgbaston Boutique Hotel.
The fancy hotel was renowned for its cocktail offering. It stood out on its own as the only place making quality drinks at the time. This took Tommy’s bartending skills to another level.
Tommy worked his way all the way up to bar manager of the Edgbaston. Continuing their elite cocktail tradition and finding his management style. In 2019 Tommy’s friends Katie Rouse & Jacob Clarke were getting ready to open their new bar (Couch). Tommy couldn’t resist the opportunity to work on this exciting project with his mates, so left the hotel to help them get started.
Since its opening Couch has become one of the greatest cocktail bars in the Midlands & even won national plaudits. The three friends serve top-quality drinks in a fun relaxed way. Couch has become Stirchley’s equivalent to Cheers.
Passing Fancies
Tommy has always had ambitions of owning his own bar. The talented bartender was completely honest about this when he joined Couch. So after looking for a suitable venue for what feels like forever, Tommy finally has his own space. In the heart of the historical custard factory.
The original factory that once made Bird’s Custard. The famous powdered custard created by pharmacist Alfred Bird. The custard was invented out of love. Bird’s wife craved desserts but was unable to eat them due to her allergy to eggs.
Passing Fancies is also created out of love, Tommy beams. Theirs a passion to bring the best of everything to the new bar. Awesome cocktails, awesome beers & awesome food in an atmosphere reminiscent of every kitchen at every house party you’ve ever been to.
Believing it is always better to work with friends Tommy brought on board the super talented multi-award-winning duo of Matt Arnold & Eve Green. The pair share Tommy’s philosophy of putting people first & creating somewhere where people really want to work. This radiates through the bar & creates an uplifting happy atmosphere.
Everything You Need To Know About Passing Fancies
Opening- Wed/Thurs- 5-12 Fri/Sat- 12-12 Sun-2-10
Address- 30 The Custard Factory, Gibb St, B9 4BF
Booking- https://passing-fancies.resos.com/booking
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/passingfancies.bar/
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If you enjoyed this episode why not take a look back at our episodes with
Jamie Desogus Harborne Kitchen
Simpsons Chef Director Luke Tipping
Breaking Bread Podcast- The Podcast For Food Lovers In Birmingham
