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 (middle in photo).
Jake and Laura Siddle will open Faru on Durham’s Silver Street this spring, offering a seasonal tasting menu of British and local produce to 10 tables. The venue is currently being 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.
The couple met as part of the House of Tides opening team in 2014. Laura subsequently worked her way up to front-of-house manager, while Jake, who joined as a chef de partie, was promoted to head chef five years ago.
Kenny paid tribute to the pair on their departure, saying: “Laura and Jake have been with us since the very start of our journey at House of Tides. They have both have played a massive part in the success and achievements at House of Tides over the 9 years we have been open. It’s been an absolute pleasure to see you both grow individually and as newlyweds too during your time with us.”
Laura said: “We wanted to have our own restaurant one day, so decided now is the time. We have spent a lot of years learning the ropes and working alongside Kenny, helping the business grow and being part of such a brilliant place, and thankfully he is really supportive of what we’re doing.
“There is a gap in fine dining provision in Durham, and the high street isn’t what it used to be, so we hope Faru will help to draw people back into the city centre, or to stay for lunch or dinner during their visit.
“This is something we really want to do, and while COVID was a reason not to open a leisure business a couple of years ago, and now the cost of living crisis could be another reason – you can always look for excuses not to do things, but we want to be brave and go for it.”
Jake added: “We are really grateful to Kenny for his role in our journey – so many things in our lives wouldn’t have happened if not for him, and we’re really looking forward to the weeks and months ahead as we finally open our own restaurant.”
