And his own talents have won him a nomination for a major industry award.
The 26-year-old from Dumfries has been shortlisted in the Next Generation category of the Scottish Family Business Awards.
Matthew, right, trained at some of the world’s top hotels and restaurants and is currently managing a major upgrade of the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club.
He is a director of the Dumfries hotel, which is headed up by his dad Matthew Wallace Senior.
But he had his first work experience in the kitchens at the five star Claridge’s in London at the age of 16. The following year he won a work placement on the concierge desk at The Dorchester, returning there for a placement year as part of his degree in international hospitality management. He also had a placement at Raymond Blanc’s double Michelin starred Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire.
After graduation he accepted a management traineeship in New York City at the Peninsula Hotel Group’s flagship US property.
Discussing his selection as a finalist, he described it as an honour for him personally and also a sign of The Cairndale’s forward thinking and ambitions.
Matthew said: “The business has been family run for 40 years, I’m proud to be carrying on the tradition and upholding our values. I’m also passionate about bringing about further improvements to a venue which brings many thousands of visitors to Dumfries and Galloway each year.”
The awards take place in Glasgow on December 1.
