For most operators, having your watering hole named as North East Pub of the Year would be the perfect reason to rest on your laurels.
When The Blackbird at Ponteland took that much coveted accolade, it seemed as if things couldn’t get any better for parent company, Northern Bar Management.
But it turned out to be the first in a string of awards, developments and plaudits for the innovative leisure organisation.
Under the NBM umbrella is the Northumberland Pub Company – which owns both The Blackbird and its and its sister property, The Northumberland Arms at Felton which won Travellers’ Choice certificates from Trip Advisor, consolidating their popularity and showcasing their high standards.
And it looks as if the company’s latest ventures will be following suit – as they’re already gaining popularity across the board.
Stuart Young, director of Northern Pub Management, also operates a number of ventures under both the Northumberland Pub Company brand and is about to expand under his other company – Northern Restaurants.
Running food and drink operations has been in Stuart’s blood for decades and his experience in the hospitality industry means he has a keen eye for what the public want.
It was for that reason that NBM decided to partner with acclaimed chef, Kleo Tabaku on his first solo venture – bringing to life the latter’s passion for the food of his home.
Since opening its doors Lovage at St George’s Terrace, has been a massive hit – a combination of Kleo’s culinary skills and Stuart’s knowledge of the industry.
“We’ve been delighted by how well Lovage has been received,” said Stuart.
“We’ve even had a tweet from Michelin about one of our dishes which is astonishing for a restaurant that has just opened up.
We’re very confident it will go from strength to strength.”
NBM are also partners in artisan bakers, Kennedy & Rhind, which is about to move from its Jesmond base and be part of the company’s latest acquisition – the Dot Bagel site at Chillingham Road.
The combination of bringing back to life the Dot Bagel brand coupled with the delicious patisserie created by K & R means that there will be even more choice for customers.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Northumberland Restaurants has just revealed it is taking over the former Quillam Brothers site at Newcastle University, which will be renamed the Claremont Tea Rooms.
Along with tea (and coffees for anyone fretting) it will be a great venue to showcase both the K & R product range and those from Dot Bagel.
“We know we have some amazing products so it makes sense to share them at as many locations as possible,” said Stuart.
“Although we only took over Dot Bagel just before Christmas it has already become incredibly popular and the location of the Claremont Tea Rooms is a perfect city centre location.”
Anyone craving the homemade goodies can also buy them from Jesmond Food Market, with The Blackbird also regularly hosting a pop-up bakery at various times throughout the year.
“2022 was a great year for us and 2023 has already got off to a brilliant start, so we are looking forward to having much more fantastic news in the year ahead,” said Stuart.