Member Article

Finbarr’s Restaurant makes Durham return following hiatus

Finbarr’s Restaurant is set to make a comeback on Durham’s food scene.

Following a three-month hiatus, owners Jackson and O’Leary Catering Limited (Jackson and O’Leary) have now announced that the restaurant will take over the former Bistro 21 site as new leases are signed for the Aykley Heads’ site.

Finbarr’s’ French-influenced cuisine initiallly operated out of the KingsLodge Hotel, Durham, although had to relocate following the hotel’s sale to hotel operator The Inn Collection Group.

Wanting to put the Finbarr stamp on its new premises, Mr O’Leary is currently undertaking a full refurbishment and redecoration of the Grade II Listed property.

He said: “This is a new chapter for Finbarr’s in Durham. The Aykley Heads setting is a great backdrop which complements the restaurant’s bistro style.

“Customers can expect the great level of service my team prides itself on giving and a menu with some favourite dishes with a twist.”

Mr O’Leary also paid tribute to law firm Swinburne Maddison, which helped advise on the deal.

He added: “Throughout the negotiation process, the help and sound legal advice I have received from both Victoria and Gillian at Swinburne Maddison has been tremendous.

“I’ve worked with Swinburne Maddison for seven years and can’t fault the service I receive and their knowledge and expertise when it comes to dealing with negotiating leases and agreeing terms which suit our business model.”

Partner Victoria Walton, who heads up Swinburne Maddison’s commercial property team, added: “We are delighted to have been able to support Barry and his team at this exciting stage in the ongoing success of the Finbarr brand and wish him well in the new location.”

The restaurant is set to reopen mid-June, whilst its 40 staff have been retained during the transition period

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