MasterChef star serves up new restaurant venture

A County Durham chef is bringing a new fine dining experience to his hometown after securing £150,000 in funding to transform a vacant town centre property.

Former MasterChef contestant Mike Bartley is preparing to open Jörd on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland, offering what is believed to be the town’s first tasting menu experience.

The restaurant, which opens this Saturday (October 24), will focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on making fine dining more affordable.

Mike secured the funding through the Property Reuse Fund, part of the Stronger Town Board initiative, enabling him to refurbish premises that had stood empty for two years.

The scheme supports businesses and property owners in bringing vacant commercial spaces back into use, with 19 units across Bishop Auckland transformed since its launch.

Mike said: “It’s something that’s brand new to Bishop Auckland, and our mantra is a tasting menu that you don’t need to break the bank for.

“Jörd was always going to be in Bishop Auckland.

“I’m really excited to represent the town and help bring people in to visit.

“This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time and the Property Reuse Fund has been so helpful in getting us to this goal.

“Without it, this would never have happened.”

The opening forms part of wider efforts to regenerate Bishop Auckland’s town centre, attract visitors and encourage investment in independent businesses.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, added: “We’re delighted to support another unit being brought back into use through the Property Reuse Fund.

“Our work with the Stronger Town Board is part of our ongoing ambition to regenerate Bishop Auckland, increase footfall, and boost its standing as a thriving market town and visitor destination.

“Mike is a talented chef who has gone onto many good things since appearing on Masterchef.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to support his venture and keep it in the heart of Bishop Auckland.

“I know many people are excited about Jörd and will be coming into the town to visit.”

Shaun Hope, chair of the Stronger Town Board and principal of Bishop Auckland College, added: “It is fantastic to see Jörd planning to open its doors and to see the investment made through the Stronger Town Board coming to fruition.

“Jörd is one of many businesses to have benefited from the Property Reuse Fund, helping to bring vacant properties back into use and breathe new life into Bishop Auckland town centre.

“This is more than a new restaurant – it is another visible sign of the regeneration taking place across the town, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and building confidence in Bishop Auckland’s future.”

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