A talented chef who honed his skills in luxury hotels is now preparing to open his first restaurant - a Mediterranean-style bistro called Lovage.
Kleo Tabuku says he is realising a long-held dream in having his own restaurant where he will be able to create the kind of food he ate as a child. It will take shape in the former home of Italian eatery Sale Pepe in St George’s Terrace, Jesmond, with a launch date planned for September.
Kleo, who grew up in Albania, can now press ahead with plans for Lovage following Newcastle City Council's approval of its licence application which initially had raised objections from some residents. Now as its chef and part-owner he is looking forward to a new stage in his career which takes in more than 25 years in the hospitality industry during which he has worked at hotels including Jesmond Dene House and Wynyard Hall.
Read more: New Heaton restaurant shakes up dining scene
He has also worked with the group behind the recently-opened Novello’s restaurant in Washington, which is now a partner with him on Lovage. He said of the new venture: “It’s extremely exciting and it means I can cook the kind of food I love best, the kind of food we would eat at home but obviously elevated to a very high level.
“It will be about seasonal food and I want to talk to local allotment owners about them being able to provide us with produce we can use, so that our ingredients will always be freshest we can get.”
He added: “We are totally committed to providing good quality, fresh food. The menu will reflect the different seasons and we really believe it will be a huge asset, not just to Jesmond but to Newcastle as a whole.
"Flavours from all over the Mediterranean will be combined with seasonal produce and fresh fish and meat." And customers can expect dishes such as grilled sardines and meat simply marinated and accompanied by the likes of grilled vegetables and salads.
Also on the menu will be pasta dishes and bread with aioli and hummus and Kleo said the food will reflect the restaurant's “laid back, elegant vibe”. The restaurant, whose transformation is now under way, is to have a light and airy feel and will cater for 50 covers when it opens around late September.
Keep an eye out for more about the venue on its website here. www.lovagejesmond.co.uk
Read Next
