ITS neighbour is the biggest tourist attraction in County Durham, so it is only natural that a new restaurant opened nearby should aim just as high.

Management at the Monboucher Restaurant, in the former drawing room of Beamish Hall, are confident it will soon become the place to eat in County Durham.

With marble tables and chandeliers, the restaurant is part of an ongoing refurbishment to return the grade II listed stately home to its former glory and into a country house hotel.

Situated in grounds next to Beamish Open Air Museum, the hall is currently used as a wedding and conference centre.

Mary Kennedy, general manager, said: There has been a lot of money spent on this beautiful room, but it is worth every penny. We have also been able to employ about six full-time staff and 15 or 16 on a part-time basis, so we feel we are putting something back into the local community."

The restaurant was filled with the sound of live jazz last night, as dignitaries and business people enjoyed the official opening.