Celebrity chef turns up the heat with new steakhouse

Marco Pierre White was cooking up a storm in Durham this week as he opened his latest restaurant.

Housed within the new Hotel Indigo in Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, bar and grill specialises in steaks, as well as English and French classics.

Marco said: “Durham is a very special place to me, as although I live in the South of England, I am originally from Leeds, so whenever I travel north I feel as though I am coming home. Durham is a magical place and apart from the Cathedral, I think the Old Shire Hall is one of the most magical buildings, the visual impact is gorgeous.

“When you create a restaurant in a listed building you have to take into consideration the past and the natural beauty of the building. It’s all about the impact for the diners, and when you walk through the doors of the restaurant you feel the magic, in the tiles, the soft furnishings and the glamour of the building itself. My mother once told me a tree without roots is wood, therefore we must look after people. This is important to me and the premise of the Steakhouse, Bar & Grill is based on looking after our diners. We want to create an authentic experience, with no-nonsense food. It’s about creating a night-out atmosphere where our diners can relax with good food, in great company, and enjoy themselves.”

Work on the £15million boutique hotel in the Victorian landmark site was completed last month.

After lying derelict for around six years, the original County Hall which had more recently been used as administration offices by Durham University, now houses 83 bedrooms, the Marco Pierre White restaurant, bar and coffee house called Tinderbox Espresso Emporium.