Tees Business Tees Business Issue 14 | Page 21

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 21 4th The Crathorne Arms, Crathorne Judged top restaurant two years ago, this is an eatery that continues to wow for those willing to venture out from the town. There’s a welcome feel as you walk through the door. Since taking over, former MasterChef judge Eugene McCoy and his wife Barbara have added their distinctively magic touch as this pub/restaurant not only serves great food and fine wine but regularly hosts live music too. 3rd The Fork in the Road Middlesbrough Aptly named, The Fork in the Road is a unique charity-run restaurant. It is dedicated to giving the long-term unemployed an opportunity to gain a bright and positive future. New visitors to the area have said they would happily return to the cosy and casual eatery. With super tasty food and helpful staff, the combination makes it a doubly worthwhile place to visit. 2nd Muse Yarm as a range of tempting cuisines. The menu lists plenty of flavoursome food options and with the early bird menu you can combine tasty food with value for money. 8th Fellini’s, Middlesbrough Fellini’s is highly recommended as a place that always delivers with simply great food and equally impressive atmosphere. This spacious, modern restaurant is busy most days, indicating its enduring popularity. Fellini’s also caters for larger parties and the classic Italian menu includes both gluten-free and vegan options. 7th The Curing House, Middlesbrough Peter Walker – head chef at the Curing House. “Come to our house”, say the staff of The Curing House in Middlesbrough’s popular Bedford Street regeneration zone. This small but perfectly formed restaurant was once a terraced house. Its homely setting is a great place to enjoy top quality charcuterie. 6th Chadwicks Inn, Maltby The two AA Rosette award-winning Chadwicks Inn describes itself as cosy and casual but it’s the fantastic standard of its food that ensures it’s voted among the region’s best year after year. Not only does this country village pub offer exquisite food but also great cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere to eat and chat. And if you’re into wines and beers then look out for its tasting evenings. Last year’s winner is the only restaurant to achieve a top two placing for the three years we’ve run our poll. The expansive windows of Muse on Yarm High Street tease passers-by, revealing diners enjoying the fabulous food and bustling vibe within. As one of the area’s ‘in places’ to eat, this trendy restaurant with its contemporary feel continues to welcome both regulars and newcomers. Muse presents good food and value for money combined with faultless service. 1st The Bay Horse Hurworth-on-Tees 5th Café Lilli, Norton Second last year, this year The Bay Horse galloped into top spot, beating its sister restaurant Muse in a photo finish. Votes flooded in for the 15th Century coaching inn, which embodies everything that represents a fabulous dining experience. Renowned as a café bistro, Café Lilli is well established in Norton High Street and maintains its reputation for a superb menu and lively atmosphere. Achieving a third successive year in our top five, Café Lilli’s menu also contains vegan options. It has the perfect balance of décor, with its modern touches blended with traditional charm. Chef and patron Marcus Bennett prides himself on food to saturate the senses, using the best seasonal and local produce. Customers can choose intimate dining or alfresco in The Bay Horse’s lovely garden and terrace. Bookings can be made for up to six people. This is definitely the place to enjoy a love affair with food. Bubbling under Honourable mentions to Olivello’s, Kilimanjaro, La Pharmacie, Central Park, The Smeltery (Middlesbrough), Vadah, Borge (Stockton), Café Sapore (Norton), Imperial Express (Darlington), Coco & Rum, King’s Grill, Sea View (Saltburn), Dudley Arms (Ingleby Greenhow), Y’Thai (Stokesley) and Santoro (Yarm). See how Tees business leaders voted on www.teesbusiness.co.uk