Former England cricket star Hoggard: how the 2005 Ashes hero opened a cookery school.

Matthew Hoggard opens a barbecue school

According to The Sun: Matthew Hoggard gained fame due to fierce competition with Australia, and today he has embarked on a new successful project - his own barbecue school.

Today marks 20 years since Hoggard and his English team mates returned the Ashes after a long wait of 18 years.

Legacy and new path

At 48, Hoggard played a key role in the historic series, taking 16 wickets. His moment with the bat became one of the most iconic in English cricket.

The four runs scored off Brett Lee's delivery brought England closer to victory over Australia, and the team won the series 2-1. After retiring in 2013, Hoggard stayed in the area and started a new venture.

Initially, he tried working in insurance and currency operations, but his wife Sarah advised him to find a fulfilling activity. And what was his answer? Food and drinks.

He opened the barbecue school 'Hoggy’s Grill' before the lockdown in early 2020, and now the project is actively developing.

Cooking and inspiration

SunSport visited Hoggy’s Grill, where we prepared delicious dishes - chicken, shrimp with lemon and lime, and homemade burgers. During the process, Hoggard shared his experiences.

“When we talk about barbecue in the UK, usually everyone pictures sausages, burgers, and chicken,” Hoggard notes. “But we have cooked soufflés, pavlovas, and Yorkshire puddings on the grill. There’s nothing you can’t cook on the grill, just as you would inside.”

Hoggard conducts lessons and organizes individual classes at Hoggy’s Grill, teaching people culinary skills. “I feel proud when people leave saying it was the best food they've ever tasted,” he summarizes.

Hoggard shares his vision of cooking, believing it gives people confidence and skills.

“I love feeding people, and it’s wonderful when they say it’s delicious. We hold classes for kids, and they are amazed when they say: 'Wow, this is awesome. This is the best burger I’ve ever tasted,' and then add: 'But you made it.'”

Hoggard also believes that food brings people together. “It has an incredible ability to unite people,” he shares.

Passion for cooking

His love for cooking blossomed in his youth. During a trip to South Africa, he fell in love with barbecue, which became an important moment in his life.

Now Hoggard can confidently say he has found his purpose and is doing what he loves.

'I didn't call Tony Blair a c***head' - Matthew Hoggard on celebrating the 2005 Ashes

Exclusive from Joshua Jones

Matthew Hoggard recalls how he had to deny calling Tony Blair a “c***head” during the 2005 celebrations.

“We were celebrating quite actively. It was on the front pages of the newspapers. When we exited Downing Street, I heard photographers gathered, and I said: 'They want a photo, you c***head.'”

Today, Hoggard is satisfied with his new project and continues to share his love for cooking with others.

Matthew Hoggard, a former star cricketer, is now known not only as an athlete but also as a barbecue master. His school 'Hoggy’s Grill' has become a popular spot for those eager to master the art of cooking on the grill. This new chapter in Hoggard's life shows how important it is to follow one’s desires and passions even after a sports career.