Despite the hospitality industry feeling the brunt of the pandemic this year, one entrepreneurial family are taking on the Red Admiral restaurant and hotel in Gosforth.
The Red Admiral has been a well-known feature on the busy A595 at Boonwood for decades and is to be taken over by David and Michelle Ancell from Simply Fresh Gosforth.
A revamped pub and cosy restaurant. New staff and a refresh of faces. David and Michelle hope people get excited about what’s to come, David said: “Despite 2020 being a challenging year, and our opening being delayed due to Covid. We are super excited to take the plunge and to re-open The Red Admiral with our chef, Lorne. We look forward to welcoming customers both from the local area and hopefully from a little further afield!”
Cooking up a storm with some exquisite dishes will be 31-year-old Lorne Jeffrey, originally from Blackpool, who is eager to make his mark in the local community, he said: “I have made my way back after spending the last few years in Greece, Spain and the Netherlands. I have decided to take on the role of the Head Chef at the Red Admiral, coming together with David and Michelle to deliver an exciting and season menu with my own stamp.
“This will be my first head chef position here in the UK, both Michelle and David have put a lot of trust in me I will repay this by driving the business forward, and push to be one of the best establishments in the area for food, drinks and service.
“I am traditionally French trained and will be using these techniques along with what I have learnt from my travels, also using local ingredients where possible. I am looking forward to the opening and showing people what we have to offer.”
David added: “We hope, using predominantly local suppliers, to serve some tasty and well-presented dishes where Lorne can demonstrate his passion for cooking. This will include a changing marine cuisine specials board.”
Taking over from Pete and Maggie Lockhart, the Ancell’s are hopeful to be back organising events at the Red Admiral with private functions and larger events later in 2021.
In 2018 UK Hospitality recorded 3.1 million people working in the hospitality sector in the UK, that number is thought to be significantly lower this year with 63% of hospitality leaders laying of staff rather than bringing them back after furlough ends.
This is something David and Michelle are hoping to change, providing employment opportunities in the local area to those looking for a career in hospitality, or those who have been out of work in the industry due to the pandemic.
The Red Admiral will be open for seated meals from the 12th December and you can keep in the know via their Facebook page.