The only restaurant in the North East with two Michelin stars is celebrating after having retained its prestigious title for another year.
The Raby Hunt in Summerhouse, near Darlington, was awarded its second Michelin Star in 2016, just seven years after chef James Close and his family took on the former real ale pub.
And 'perfectionist' James has thanked staff and customers following the unveiling of this year's Michelin Guide. Named Chef of the Year in 2016, James spends days in the kitchen perfecting new dishes to add to the menu.
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His message on Instagram read: "Thanks to everyone, staff and customers. We continue to move forward and look forward to welcoming you as a 2 Michelin Star restaurant.
"Massive thanks to my wife/pastry chef Maria and also my dad and mum Russell and Helene Close."
Due to the pandemic, the 2022 launch of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland took place over Instagram,Twitter, and its website. The awards saw one new three star, five new two stars and 19 new one stars joining the selection, including Pine at Vallum Farm in Northumberland.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides said: “Naturally we were disappointed to be unable to host this event in person.
"However, we wanted to celebrate the achievements of the country’s top chefs, who have fought hard not only to survive, but to excel in these challenging times.
"To award so many new Stars this year, including one new Three Star, is testament to the determination and resilience of those working in the hospitality industry – not just the chefs, but those involved at every level.”
The North East now has four Michelin-starred restaurants - The Raby Hunt in County Durham, House of Tides on Newcastle's Quayside, and Hjem and Pine in Northumberland.
