Industry News

Durham’s fine dining restaurant Faru has been named as a Michelin favourite.

The restaurant, on Silver Street, has made the November list of the Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite New Restaurants, which was published on the Michelin Guide’s website today.

Owners Jake and Laura Siddle – former head chef and front-of-house-manager at the Michelin-starred House of Tides, said they are “absolutely ecstatic” with the news.

The Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite Restaurants are released on a monthly basis and recognised in the Michelin Guide with a ‘new’ symbol.

“Its name comes from an old English word for ‘journey’, but there is something decidedly contemporary about this city centre restaurant – from the airy, pared-back interior to the on-trend open kitchen and terse menu descriptions,” said the inspectors about Faru.

“An antique stained-glass window adds character and makes a fine backdrop for the chefs as they craft colourful, precisely executed dishes that exhibit well thought-through flavour combinations. The warm, friendly service has a pleasingly relaxed feel,” they added. 

Both Jake and Laura said that they could not “believe the news”.

“It just feels so surreal. To know our little restaurant in Durham has been featured in the Michelin Guide is just amazing,” said Jake.

The couple, who opened Faru just eight months ago, says “it’s a massive achievement” for both them and the team, who offer a seasonal 10-course and five-course tasting menu.

Laura said: “To be recognised for the work we are doing in our very own restaurant is just unbelievable. It’s been a whirlwind eight months for us and becoming business owners as well as working in the business has been an adjustment.

“As well as looking at what’s in season and working on new dishes for the menu, we’ve visited wine producers in places such as France so we can showcase unique drinks at Faru.

“We’re constantly working on the business to ensure we’re delivering the best possible experience we can for our guests – and to be recognised for all of our efforts by Michelin is phenomenal.”

Faru offers a 10-course and five-course tasting menu – as well as a vegetarian menu – with a focus on flavour, seasonality and quality produce.

The restaurant, which opens up its online bookings for January to March tomorrow, is among 15 restaurants to be featured in the Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite New Restaurants.
The full November list.

For more information about Faru and how to book, visit www.faru.co.uk