There is huge delight at news that new restaurant Pine in Northumberland has been awarded a Michelin star within just nine months of its opening.
Its whirlwind of success, announced on Wednesday morning, sees the fine dining venue singled out with a Green Star for its sustainable credentials, making it the county's second Michelin winner after Hjem led the way last year.
Pine is the much talked-about debut restaurant run at Vallum Farm in Wallhouses by Siân Buchan and Cal Byerley whose commitment to local produce, showcased in a 16-course tasting menu, is already paying dividends.
Read more: look around Pine in Northumberland
And now the Michelin star, which is set to see it in more demand than ever, has left the couple stunned.
Siân, who was being greeted by delighted staff as they arrived on Wednesday morning to prepare for evening service, revealed she had been in tears at the news.
"It's been a very emotional morning!" she said. "I said to Cal that this is not where we expected to be at this point. It's just amazing."
And she might cry again she said, as the team assembled.
"We're overwhelmed and we're just grateful - and very proud of the team," she added of its nine-strong staff which includes head chef Ian Waller and three others in the kitchen as well as five front-of-house.
Pine launched in May last year - "nine months ago tomorrow" says Siân - which was a later opening than intended due to the pandemic but it was during lockdown, when the couple spent time walking and foraging, that they had thought a lot about the importance of supporting local businesses.
All the restaurant's produce is sourced within a 20-mile radius and its menu - raising similarities with Scandinavian food - soon captured attention beyond the region, including a rave review in The Times.
Its Michelin Green Star success now sees it rewarded for its "outstanding sustainable commitments"; becoming one of just nine restaurants across the country to receive this honour.
"It's a reward for everybody that's put their heart and soul into it." says Siân.
Vegetables are grown on-site and their aim is to eventually produce the vast majority of what they need. They also have a beehive.
Ian and Cal devise the menu: Ian creating the savoury dishes; Cal the sweet.
Zero waste, being sustainable and responsible is all-important says Siân and the hope is to pass on that mindset to the customer.
They are, she says, "very grateful for all the support we've had."
The team had Wednesday evening's service to prepare for so celebrations had to wait but she said that at the very end of the day "we might have a glass of fizz!"
News of the star was brought to them by their good friends at Hjem, at Wall in Northumberland, which has retained its own star, which Michelin confirmed as it announced its 2022 winners, as has Kenny Atkinson's The House of Tides in Newcastle while The Raby Hunt at Summerhouse near Darlington has kept its two stars, all underlining the region's growing reputation for fine dining.
Hjem, run by Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and his partner Ally Thompson was the first restaurant in Northumberland to win a Michelin star, which was awarded in 2021 after inspectors found time to review its Scandinavian-style food during the brief period it reopened as lockdown restrictions lifted.
Just earlier this month, Hjem as well as Kenny Atkinson's one-star The House of Tides in Newcastle and James Close two-star restaurant at The Raby Hunt also made the list of Harden's Best UK Restaurants.
The Michelin Guide regulars are now, like newcomer Pine, poised to see customer demand shoot up still further.
Ahead of Wednesday's announcement, House of Tides tweeted: "Good luck to all the chefs hoping for a new star today, and to all those chefs looking to retain their stars too, after another very tough year hoping today brings good news to us all."
And, after the stars were confirmed, Hjem also took to Twitter, writing: "We're so proud to have retained our star after our first year as a starred restaurant."
Thanking Michelin as well as "all our wonderful guests, friends and family for the amazing support", it added: "Huge congratulations to everyone awarded new stars today and those retaining them! Cheers."
The annual announcement of Michelin star winners was made at a virtual event and Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides said: "We wanted to celebrate the achievements of the country’s top chefs, who have fought hard not only to survive but to excel in these challenging times.
"To award so many new stars this year is testament to the determination and resilience of those working in the hospitality industry – not just the chefs, but those involved at every level."
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