The team behind a Durham restaurant tipped in the Michelin guide have won a national award for their service.

The front-of-house team at Faru in Durham, which opened in April 2023, has been named the UK’s best at the Staff Canteen Awards in London.

Faru was the only restaurant in the North East to be shortlisted for the national awards, now in their fourth year, which are nominated and voted for by the public.

Laura Siddle, who owns the restaurant with chef husband Jake, said: “For front of house to get recognised is great. People come to a restaurant and look at the food as the epitome of their dining experience. For us, we deliver our best service and we try to engage as much as possible, so to be recognised amongst the chefs is also great.”

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The husband-wife-duo has a team of 12 and the front and back of house operations and tied together to pair wines with new dishes created for their five and ten-course tasting menu.

They quit their jobs to open the restaurant having met working at fine-dining venue House of Tides in Newcastle.

“We meticulously pay attention to every detail”, Laura said.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) “When Jake introduces a new dish on the menu, we look at all aspects of the flavour profile to ensure the accompanying drinks work on the palate.

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“It’s not just about coming to enjoy amazing food; it’s the whole experience.”

The restaurant, on Silver Street in Durham City Centre, which takes its name from the old English for ‘journey’.

Faru, which was included in the Michelin Guide just eight months after opening its doors, also offers guests a Sunday lunch menu as well as a new £40, three-course menu.