Fine dining favourite Pine has added to its ever growing success with a sixth-place ranking in a new list of the UK's top 100 restaurants which includes six other North East venues too.
The award-winner in Northumberland, which won a Michelin Green Star in little more than nine months after its launch in 2021, has continued to build its national reputation with the help of an inclusion in The Good Food Guide - which rated it among its top 20 list of the most exciting restaurants of 2022 - and further additions to its dining options with the likes of the recent launch of a chef's table experience.
And now Pine, which is based at Vallum Farm in Wallhouses, has been placed sixth in a list of SquareMeal's Top 100 UK restaurants. The next highest of the North East entries is Kenny Atkinson's Solstice at number 17. The dining guide's annual list is said to be unique in its selection process which is based upon the opinions of its own in-house critics as well as votes from thousands of diners.
Read more: Pine launches chef's table and new bar
Pine's owners Siân Buchan, who is also the house manager, and chef patron Cal Byerley are delighted at the news which sees their first restaurant feature among some renowned names in the new list. They said: ''So far this year has been totally ridiculous and that’s saying something considering the rollercoaster year we had in 2022.
"Being listed alongside the likes of Ynyshir in Powys, L’Enclume in Cartmel, and Opheem in Birmingham is out of this world. The entire team is over the moon and this ranking is a reflection of their sheer hard work in ensuring that we look after our guests to the best of our ability."
They added: "But we certainly won’t sit back, as there’s plenty for us to do to make things even better, so we’ll keep pushing and see where it takes us.’’
For a chance of inclusion in SquareMeal's list, a restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal. The requirement is to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience.
Judges' final decisions also take into account everything from restaurant interiors and views to wine lists, service and sustainability commitments. The top 100 is also about showcasing the "best of the best" in both emerging and established culinary styles as well as celebrating chefs and hospitality teams who create those top-class dining experiences.
Caroline Hendry, SquareMeal’s head of content, said: ''Huge congratulations to all 100 restaurants featured in this year’s list. This marks the first full year we’ve all been able to go out and about to eat again without Covid restrictions.
"With our restored freedom we’ve rediscovered the pure joy of a phenomenal meal and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate those moments through our awards.'' Other North East restaurants included in the list are Hjem, also in Northumberland, placed number 20; Newcastle restaurants Solstice at 17, House of Tides at 54, Peace & Loaf at 81 and Route Bistro at 94 plus Raby Hunt in Darlington at 28.
For more information about Pine see here and for the full SquareMeal list see here.
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