A restaurant is hoping to expand just a year after opening thanks to the overwhelming response from diners. 

Coarse in Durham received critical acclaim from the Michelin Guide within months of opening in the city centre, as judges praised its modern British style of cooking. 

The “warm, cherrily run” restaurant was opened by head chef Ruari MacKay, his partner Gemma Robinson, the manager, and director Craig Lappin-Smith last September.

The restaurant’s six-course seasonal tasting menus for just £45 has seen diners visit Coarse all year round. 

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Now, staff have submitted plans to expand the North Road restaurant to include an extra dining area upstairs. 

Planning documents submitted to Durham County Council show a desire to convert the upstairs flat into a private dining area for the restaurant, set to seat 16-18 people. 

The Northern Echo: staff have submitted plans to expand the North Road restaurant to include an extra dining area upstairs. staff have submitted plans to expand the North Road restaurant to include an extra dining area upstairs. (Image: Coarse Durham)

Coarse bosses say the restaurant is growing in popularity and the need for larger dining spaces is becoming more of a requirement for its future success. The application was submitted after staff found the restaurant’s clientele had included larger parties requiring more private dining spaces. 

Gemma Robinson said: “We didn’t expect it to have been as good as it has, we’ve done really well. It’s giving us more space and the chance to put on larger events for bigger groups of people.

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“Durham has been a bit of a lost space in restaurant terms, but there’s been more opening recently and it’s definitely picking up.”

The one-bedroom flat is currently occupied by one adult but is unsuitable for occupation due to its small size, the application states. 

The building was previously used as a café called ‘Courtyard Café. The application is due to be considered later this year.