Industry News

 Food lovers in the North East are in for a treat! From Thursday 12th June to Saturday 14th June, MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 winner Dan Merriman will join Jake Siddle, head chef and co-founder of Faru, for a limited, collaborative tasting menu at the acclaimed fine dining restaurant in Durham. 

Since opening its doors in 2023, Faru has quickly garnered attention for its produce-driven tasting menus that highlight the very best of modern British cuisine. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is the ideal setting for enjoying thoughtfully crafted dishes that are as flavoursome as they are visually stunning.    

This one-off menu marks the first time Merriman has collaborated on a full tasting experience in the North East, since winning MasterChef: The Professionals last year. Across the evening, guests will be guided through a series of thoughtful, seasonal courses created by both chefs—a meeting of two distinct but like-minded approaches to flavour, technique, and balance, that showcases their shared philosophy of intentional and flavourful cooking.   

“Dan and I both love food that’s clear, purposeful, and full of flavour,” says Jake. “Dan’s cooking has real intention behind it, which fits naturally with the kind of menu we create here at Faru.”    

Known for his confident, ingredient-led style, Merriman impressed judges during the 2024 series with his composure, creativity, and instinctive understanding of flavour. Since winning the title, he’s continued to refine a style that favours precision over performance, and this collaboration will give guests a rare opportunity to experience that style across multiple courses.   

“I am really excited about this collaboration! The food and ethos that Jake and Laura provide for their guests is truly special; to be part of their journey, no matter how small, is a true privilege.”    

The 10-course tasting menu, designed to highlight the tastes of the ingredients as much as possible include: 

• Duck liver parfait with cherry and duck ham 
• XO-glazed hand-dived scallop with salted cabbage, kimchi, and kaffir lime 
• Halibut with turnip, apple, and Artelium sauce 
• Snacks and desserts to round off the experience 

Laura Siddle will also offer a curated wine pairing to accompany the menu. The experience will run for five services over three days, with a small number of covers available per service. The full tasting menu is priced at £125 per person.   

Event Details: 

• Location: Faru, Durham 
• Dates: Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th June 2025 
• Menu: Exclusive collaborative tasting menu by Jake Siddle & Dan Merriman 
• Wine Pairing: Optional, curated by Laura Siddle 
• Cost: £125 per person  

Bookings: www.faru.co.uk 

 Opened in 2023 by husband-and-wife team Jake and Laura Siddle, Faru has quietly built a reputation for its focused, produce-driven tasting menus. The restaurant's name, derived from the word 'Faru' meaning 'journey' in old English, reflects the couple's commitment to creating a dining experience centered around high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing.    

Faru showcases modern British dishes with quiet precision in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for food enthusiasts. The restaurant emphasises strong relationships with food and wine suppliers, ensuring that each dish celebrates the unique flavours and textures of its region.