Get to know William Matthews, Walpole's Community Engagement Lead

Walpole: When did you join Walpole and how did you come to work here?

William Matthews: I’ve been at Walpole since the beginning of March, but I've been Walpole-adjacent for a long time before that. I was head of PR and Marketing at Gieves & Hawkes in the 20-teens and experienced the benefits of Walpole membership there. I also had the pleasure of working more recently with the wonderful Maison Margaux team - they were a Brand of Tomorrow in 2024 and had a really positive experience on the programme. They are now Walpole members too!

What do you do at Walpole?

As Community Engagement Lead I am completely focussed on the member experience and ensuring that not only are our members connected with us at the centre, but also with one another in the wider luxury ecosystem. Walpole is foremost a community and great things happen when we partner, share, learn, and evolve together. Aside from the social and networking side, my priority is to make sure that people know about the opportunities for personal development and learning too. We have a fantastic programme, and members who engage always come away with amazing things to say about it. 

What’s your favourite aspect of the job?

I’m a very social creature and bringing people together is what truly puts a smile on my face – I would happily host a breakfast, lunch or dinner every day of the week! Promoting connection and seeing people enjoying themselves, delighted by the exchange of insight, knowledge and lively discourse is a hugely important aspect of the job for me. 

The best place for a work breakfast in London is: I am not a morning person so breakfast is never before 9.30am, which, for other non-morning people is a blessing and for early-risers, annoying. I adore the intimacy and privacy of Brown's Hotel, the glamour of Claridge’s, and the in-the-know vibe at Maison Francois in St James’s. 

My office beverage of choice is: My secret shame is that I love instant coffee – those fancy single-estate drips are slightly wasted on me. My preferred take-out is a white Americano from the Roastery at Harrods which I pass most mornings, and Ottolenghi on Pavilion Road. For a real treat, I’ll head to the Peninsula London for an iced oat matcha latte takeout, from the cafe at the side of the hotel. I also love the coffee at Cafe Kitsuné in Belgravia. 

The last thing I listened to on my commute was: My playlist is an eclectic, but somehow also predictable mix. I drive to work so listen to a lot of music in the car. I just checked my Spotify and the last track I listened to was a Cher remix. This surprises no-one who knows me. 

The ultimate luxury under £25 is: Without question, a jar of Truffle Mayonnaise from Fortnum & Mason. You can eat it on chicken, on eggs (heaven) and also makes for a luxurious and spoiling hostess gift. I give lots of them away. With the change from £25, I’d treat myself to a Bee Lovely Beautiful Lip Balm from Neal's Yard Remedies and then probably spend the rest at Claridge’s Art Café on a matcha to-go. I believe in a little luxury every day.