Local businesses welcome Durham Restaurant Week as “great initiative”

Businesses across Durham City have welcomed the return of Durham Restaurant Week, which is set to provide “bargain meals for foodies”.

Restaurant Week, which runs from Saturday, January 28 to Saturday, February 4, will see participating venues offer £5, £10, £15, £20 and £25 menus, with everything from a beer and burrito for £10 to three-course meals for just £20.

And businesses have welcomed the initiative, launched by Durham BID company, to help “beat the January blues” as well attract more people to the city and help offer cheap deals at a time when many are feeling the pinch.

Stuart Lloyd, general manager at The Radisson Blu, which features Collage Restaurant, which is taking part in the week, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many venues on board with Durham Restaurant Week. If ever there was a reason for foodies to travel to Durham and try something new, then this is the week to take advantage of the many great offers available.

“We’re participating with the aim of welcoming new locals to our riverside restaurant for dinner. We’re not just for hotel guests and we’re pleased that restaurant week gives us an opportunity to promote this to those in and around Durham.”

While Collage restaurant at The Radisson will offer two courses for £20 or two courses with a glass of house wine for £25, Coarse, the city’s new tasting menu restaurant is offering diners a three-course lunch menu, with and snack and a glass of Prosecco or soft drink for just £20.

Co-owner of Coarse, which will be featured in the Michelin Guide 2023 - Craig Lappin-Smith, said: “We only opened in September, and it has been phenomenal. We wanted to offer the food that is often associated with fine dining in a relaxed and informal setting at a relatively affordable price point.”

Craig, who launched the venture with former colleagues, Ruari MacKay, Coarse’s head chef and Gemma MacKay, front of house, added: “Restaurant Week is a great way of attracting new people to come and experience what we offer.”

Paul Howard, manager of Durham BID, concluded: “We have a fantastic selection of venues taking part in Durham Restaurant Week. It’s the second time the event has been held, and the first for us as a new BID team. From Marco Pierre White Restaurant to tapas, tacos and afternoon tea, visitors will be able to take their taste buds on a tour of what our city has to offer.”

Other venues that have signed up include Barrio Comida, Marco Pierre White, Spice Lounge, Tapas Factory, The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steak House, Turtle Bay, Revolution and many more.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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