A DALE restaurant has been named as best in the north east and 13th in the country.
The two Michelin star Raby Hunt, at Summerhouse, has once again featured in the The Good Food Guide list of the top 50 restaurants in Britain.
Raby Hunt features 13th on the list, a significant jump from its 40th place last year.
Entries for The Good Food Guide, which is produced by Waitrose, are based on reviews submitted by the public and anonymous expert inspections.
Every year it also compiles the list of the UK’s leading restaurants, based on independent submissions.
The Raby Hunt has held two Michelin stars since 2017 and self-taught chef patron James Close was praised by the guide for his distinctive style of cooking. Editor Elizabeth Carter said: “Single-mindedness and a fiery determination to produce the best define James Close’s food, the soaring sophistication of his razor-edge cooking seemingly at odds with the rural setting – on the outside a stone-built, creeper-clad former village pub; within, a modern, minimalist space with a state-of-the-art kitchen.
“Forever breaking new ground, Mr Close is known for his freewheeling palate and instinct for building nuanced contrasts and his 17-course tasting menu is a thrilling amalgam of flavours and textures.”
Mr Close said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the restaurant has been recognised and we’re now in 13th place,” said Mr Close.
“At this level the standard is exceptionally high and the competition gets stronger every year, so it’s real confirmation of all of the hard work of all of the team.”
