AN award-winning North East restaurant has been named one of the best in the country according to The Good Food Guide, after rocketing up the ratings.
The Guide has unveiled its Top 50 list for 2020 – and two Michelin starred The Raby Hunt, at Summerhouse, near Darlington, has raced up the list to 13th place from 40th place last year.
Entries for The Good Food Guide, which is produced by Waitrose, are based on reviews submitted by the public and anonymous expert inspections.
And every year it also compiles the list of the UK’s leading restaurants, based on independent submissions.
The Raby Hunt has held two Michelin stars since 2017 and self-taught chef patron James Close was praised by the Guide for his distinctive style of cooking.
Editor Elizabeth Carter said: “Single-mindedness and a fiery determination to produce the best define James Close’s food, the soaring sophistication of his razor-edge cooking seemingly at odds with the rural setting: on the outside a stone-built, creeper-clad former village pub; within, a modern, minimalist space with a state-of-the-art kitchen.
“Forever breaking new ground, Close is known for his freewheeling palate and instinct for building nuanced contrasts and his 17-course tasting menu is a thrilling amalgam of flavours and textures.”
“I’m absolutely delighted that the restaurant has been recognised and we’re now in 13th place,” said James.
“At this level the standard is exceptionally high and the competition gets stronger every year, so it’s real confirmation of all of the hard work of all of the team.”
On September 22 The Raby Hunt is holding its own version of a mini food festival, where guests can chat to chefs, watch them cook and sample their signature dishes.
Tickets for the event are £110 and are available on 01325 374327. For further information, visit www.therabyhunt.co.uk.