Matthew Podger is a qualified lawyer who worked for eight years within the legal profession before founding Schooner Bar, a fully independent bar in Wandsworth, London. Matthew sold this business in January 2023 and is keen to take on a new challenge.
Matthew was responsible for the implementation of every aspect of getting Schooner Bar up and running, including concept planning, branding, and business planning and financial modelling. He also undertook all the tasks necessary regarding site acquisition, lease negotiation, the site fit out, regulatory compliance, employment and training, marketing and supply chain management. Accounting, budgeting and reporting all fell within Matthew’s remit, and he drafted and negotiated all documentation connected to the final sale of the business.
To relax, Matthew enjoys reading (particularly novels and books on history), spending time with his family, going to the gym and listening to music, particularly his childhood favourite band, Oasis. He also likes cooking and eating out. Matthew has travelled widely, especially around Europe, and lived and worked in Australia for six months in 2012; he has recently spent time in South Africa and Kenya. In his free time, Matthew plays tennis, padel tennis and rugby, and he also runs, cycles and skis.
Matthew is a long-time keen sailor and is a member of the Oxford University Yacht Club, the Oxford Cambridge Sailing Society and the Bristol Barracuda Sailing Team. In 2022 Matthew took part in the Lymington Dinghy Regatta, achieving third place.
Matthew Podger 