NEWCASTLE HERALD, 2019
Hotel Jesmond's Paul Thornton named regional chef of the year for bistro one year in!
Hotel Jesmond led the way, with its year-old bistro officially home to the best burger and regional chef of year winners.
Owner-licencee Daniel Ferguson said recognition for the pub's transformation was welcome but "a bit scary" given how busy the venue had already become since the restaurant opened last November.
Mr Ferguson said it was recognition for how hard the pub's staff and Mr Thornton, 28, had worked to establish the venue.
"It's a great accolade and [chef Paul Thornton] was deserving of it," he said. "This is his first pub job. We are not known for having a bistro."