Three friends who opened up a new restaurant in Ponteland are celebrating after it was included in the 2021 Michelin Guide.

Chefs, Danny Land (33) of Ponteland, Ryan Carr (33) of Tynemouth and front of house manager, Stephen Pitfield (40,) of Lanchester opened Eleven restaurant in May and found out about the entry into the prestigious guide after only trading after 15 weeks.

Danny said: "We are very proud of this achievement after such a short period of being open.”

The friends opened their restaurant after the pandemic left them without a job in April 2020. The friends were due to start in a new restaurant but the opening for it did not go ahead.

Danny said: “Due to the start of the pandemic the new opening didn’t go ahead and we all found ourselves without a job.

"We got our heads together thinking there must be something we can do and eventually managed to open our restaurant, Eleven, during the pandemic.”

The three friends were able to get by during the pandemic until they were given the green light to open on May 19.

Danny said: “We had to open doing at home takeaways initially and then finally opened fully on the aforementioned May 19.

“We are trying to show that fine dining doesn’t need to be stuffy and formal and can in fact be fun and in a relaxing and informal setting.”

Eleven offers two menus, one for lunch which includes charcuterie, cheese and small plates designed for sharing. For dinner, there is a five-course set menu offering a unique interpretation of seasonal cooking.

The restaurant also has a wine bar, which can be used on a walk-in basis, unlike the restaurant to which needs reservations.

Danny thanked customers and regulars for the support which had given the venture a platform for success.

For more information about the restaurant or to make a reservation, customers can call 01661 598054 or visit https://elevenponteland.co.uk/