January Food News You Need to Know in the North East and Yorkshire
Stay in the loop with our round up of essential food news for this month
Gusto Italiano
Looking for a new favourite Italian? La Locanda is a traditional, fine-dining Italian restaurant in Gisburn, highly regarded for its dedication to serving handcrafted Italian dishes using locally-sourced and native ingredients. Chef Maurizio Bocchi works his magic in the kitchen while his wife Cinzia runs the front of house. Its outstanding menu of seasonal family recipes go back generations, striving to provide a truly authentic Italian experience that keeps their loyal following of customers coming back again and again.
Hidden Gem
Though it’s mostly flown under the radar since its opening earlier this year, Norse in Sheffield has nevertheless built a cult following for its fresh take on fine dining. Offering a unique blend of Scandinavian technique with Asian flavours, the unusual dining space can be found inside a shipping container covered in graffiti at Kelham Island – so a 10-course tasting menu may come as a surprise to some, but that’s almost the point. Cantonese goose, anyone?
Cream of the Crop
La Liste (one of the most respected international restaurant and hotel guides) has recently named four Yorkshire restaurants among the best in the world. Run by Michelin-starred chef and local lad Tommy Banks, The Black Swan at Oldstead earned a spot on the list, as did Myse in Hovingham (a relatively new addition to Yorkshire’s fine-dining scene). The Angel at Hetton (Yorkshire’s first restaurant to hold five AA Rosettes) was also included, along with internationally-renowned Grantley Hall.
CAFÉ SOCIETY
For the first time, luxury café franchise Caffe Concerto has come up North, with a brand new location in Leeds. The interiors are thoroughly Instagrammable, and with a packed patisserie full of delights, we can’t think of a better place to sit down for a drink this winter.
On Top of the World
Leeds’ much loved South Asian restaurant Tharavadu have announced the opening of their brand new rooftop venture Uyare. The enormous venue will cover 7,000 square feet, serving up to 300 guests with a menu inspired by the flavours of Kerala. With distinct areas such as Bhoomi (the Earth restaurant), and Agni (the Fire bar), Uyare is set to become a favourite in Leeds’ impressive restaurant repertoire, with distinctive small plates-style dining.
Spice is Nice
Le Raaj, the award-winning Indian restaurant which already has locations in Chester-le-Street and Sedgefield, has set its sights further north and is planning a brand new location in Morpeth in early 2025. Specialising in contemporary and authentic Indian cuisine, the restaurant already has a loyal following in County Durham and is sure to be equally popular in Northumberland.
The Perfect Persian Feast
After much anticipation, Dood has finally opened on Newcastle Quayside. Led by chef Colin Clague (who previously worked at the award-winning Pollen under Jason Atherton), Dood promises a culinary journey along the Silk Road – think chargrilled monkfish, burnt watermelon salad, and pita-crusted calamari.
Masterful
Toby Hodkinson, sous chef at Bishop Auckland tapas restaurant El Castillo, did the region proud recently by taking part in MasterChef: The Professionals. Although he did not progress to the next round, his carrot schnitzel went over well with the judges and his dessert of sticky toffee pudding with evaporated milk ice cream was wonderfully classic. With a culinary background that includes Samuel’s Restaurant at Swinton Estate and the two Michelin star-awarded Raby Hunt, hopefully Toby will give it another go in the near future.
ONE TO WATCH
Something new is coming to Rockliffe Hall and we can’t wait. Currently home to pop-up dining experience TERRA (from Michelin-grade chef James Close), plans are now in motion to transform Rockliffe Hall into one of the North East’s top destination dining spots. The new development will include a pavillion area for a brand new flagship restaurant under James Close, as well as a refurbishment of the hotel’s Old Hall.
Simply the Zest
Thai fusion restaurant Coco and Rum in Saltburn has recently opened its second location in Middlesbrough. Welcoming, lively and serving great food, the new restaurant is a welcome addition to the city’s already vibrant food scene. The à la carte menu includes all the classics like chicken satay, tom yum soup and crispy roast duck, and a good range of dishes with an Indian influence.
