There was an air of calm in the kitchen before the official launch of South Gosforth restaurant Ophelia - but the team were actually working flat out on preparations for the big day.
Come Thursday and that laid-back atmosphere was replaced by the buzzy vibe of a French brasserie, which is what has inspired this latest venture by Nick Grieves who founded The Patricia in Jesmond in December 2016. The self-taught chef named that now highly-acclaimed restaurant after his gran and the name Ophelia is one he has in mind for a time he might have a daughter.
Besides it being known as Hamlet's 'love' interest in Shakespeare's tragedy, the name means 'hope', he says - and he points out the female names suit their style of working in the kitchen, being more relaxed than macho and aggressive, he laughs.
