A FORMER chef at the Flemish Weaver in Corsham has achieved his life’s ambition by opening his own business with his best friend from school.

Matthew Butler has named Eddy’s restaurant and takeaway in Market Place, Melksham, after his 19-month-old son Edward.

He said: “I lost my job last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“My business partner Robert Borley and I decided to take over the old LA Diner premises in Melksham. We have named it Eddy’s after my son Edward.”

Mr Butler, 31, and Mr Borley, 31, are best friends and have known each other since secondary school.

Both worked in the catering industry locally before getting together to launch their own business providing fresh takeaway food with classic British dishes.

They were supported with a grant from Wiltshire Council, which, says Mr Butler, has been very helpful.

They launched the new eatery in December after taking over the old LA Diner and then went straight into the third lockdown from January onwards.

Mr Butler said: "It gave us the chance to renovate the premises and get it up to scratch ready for the opening."

Mr Butler says they focus on providing "simple food done well" with prices to more than match the local competition.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us and our aim is to provide good, honest food with fresh local ingredients."

Already, Eddy’s is a success, helping to support up to five local businesses, including two butchers, a fruit and vegetable supplier, a window cleaner and a taxi driver.

The eatery is rapidly securing local contracts, including one to supply 50-plus breakfasts to workers on the nearby Melksham Community Campus.

Eddy's is also contracted to supply food to Stealth Brewery’s Hiding Place micropub in High Street, Melksham.