Harden's says
A couple of long-term senior staff at Newcastle's House of Tides have quit their jobs to launch their own ambitious restaurant in Durham, with the blessing of their mentor, House of Tides founder Kenny Atkinson. Faru means journey in Old English. Jake and Laura Siddle will open on Durham's Silver Street this spring, offering a seasonal tasting menu of British and local produce to 10 tables. The venue will be converted from a Mountain Warehouse shop, with a stained-glass window rediscovered during the building work to take pride of place in the open kitchen.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The restaurant Durham city has been crying out for”, say fans of this ambitious 2023 yearling in the city centre: “a recent addition to the local dining scene run by ex-head chef from House of Tides and his wife”, Jake & Laura Siddle, who serve a 10-course tasting menu for £98 per person (the name is old English for ‘Journey’). One diner – particularly impressed by the wine selection – felt that “whilst aiming for their first Michelin star, they have a way to go with too many of the courses ‘snack sized’ to fully warrant the price and service that, though friendly, was lacking”. But others are impressed by what they see as a polished overall experience and, in any case, all reports agree that this is an “interesting” venue that “definitely shows promise”.
Summary
Jake & Laura Siddle – long-term senior staff at Newcastle’s House of Tides – quit their jobs to launch their own ambitious restaurant in the centre of Durham, with the blessing of their mentor, House of Tides founder Kenny Atkinson. Heaven knows, it’s a town that could use a venue of some ambition. It opened in April 2023 (late in the day to inspire feedback in our annual diners’ poll) and offers a 10-course menu for £98 (lunch is shorter and simpler for £60). Faru means journey in Old English.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Faru?
26 Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RD
Faru Restaurant Diner Reviews
"It’s easy to see why this restaurant has been tipped as a “Hot Newcomer”. The 10 course tasting menu is as good as, if not better, than some I have had at 2 Michelin starred establishments. This is because because at Faru the emphasis is on quality ingredients and flavour combinations rather that culinary theatrics. The ambience is relaxed and the team are both welcoming and informative."
"Only 1 year old and if they don’t get a Michelin Star, it will be an injustice. The food presentation and artistry were only exceeded by the flavours. To top it all Laura’s ( Jake the chefs wife) personality and enthusiasm was a joy to watch. "
26 Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RD
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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