Latest news with #SARAHCALDECOTT
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside 'exceptional' country pub with top food that's 'like a little community'
It's a pub that attracts diners from 'far and wide' for its 'exceptional' food - but at its heart is a 'family feel' where customers and regulars 'see each other as friends'. For 17 years The Bay Horse in Hurworth has built up a stellar reputation, regularly scooping top awards for its seasonally-changing "five star" food and ambience. And while the luxurious dining, suntrap beer garden, and traditional charm are certainly big draws, it's not the only thing that keeps customers coming back time and time again. 'It is like a little community, everyone looks out for each other', long-time staff member Chloe Wilson explained on The Northern Echo's trip to the picturesque pub. The 26-year-old, from Darlington, actually said it was 'like a little family': 'We get a lot of regulars and we all get along with them. I class them as friends!' Located on The Green, The Bay Horse has been a feature of the village as far back as the 15th century, when it first operated as a coaching inn. The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) But for the last 17 years, the upmarket gastropub has been the 'baby' of business partners Marcus Bennett and Jonathan Hall. It was 2008 when the pair first teamed up, with dad-of-two turned chef-patron Marcus saying they searched around for their first venue together while asking the question: 'Why can't fine dining be mixed with pubs?' The 54-year-old, who started off at The Cleveland Tontine before going on to work in top end restaurants in Canada and the Caribbean, said: 'We spent a month driving round the North of England and found The Bay Horse, which ticked every box. 'It was old fashioned and we wanted to modernise it.' Inside The Bay Horse, in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Inside The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Business partner and Yarm resident Jonathan, 53, had also long been in the industry at the time of the team up, having opened and run Hide on Yarm High Street. And after The Bay Horse, the pair went on to open Muse Continental Cafe in Yarm in 2012, sister venue Cena in 2014, and then The Devonport, at Middleton One Row, in 2018. But what's the secret to success? Marcus, from East Harsley, says it is never giving up and never letting go. Marcus Bennett, of The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: THE BAY HORSE) 'We listen to customers, work hard at our problems, and are always involved with staff', he said. 'I'm very much conscious that they feel happy and have got a great working environment. 'I want them to feel it is theirs. I want them to have some pride in their job.' And as he spoke to The Echo, Marcus was preparing menus, gearing up for a meeting with the chef to discuss future dishes, and preparing for his weekly grass cut in the garden. He added: 'You never let go of it. Too many people let go, but we don't, we just carry on.' Regulars Eric and Mandy Kiddell were enjoying a drink in the sun with their miniature Yorkshire Terrier Rosie when they told The Echo just how special the venue was to them. Eric, 72, explained: 'It's the hospitality, the food, the surroundings, and the staff are lovely. It's the feel and presence of the pub too and the ambience.' Regulars Eric and Mandy Kiddell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The duo, who have been visiting the pub for around 15 years, hail from Thornton in Middlesbrough - but the 25 minute drive is 'worth it'. 'We were here last Saturday and we're here today,' Mandy, 63, explained. 'It is beautiful. Nothing is a bother to the staff. I have a disability and they are absolutely brilliant with me. There's a personal touch, and that's what I love.' Former British Steel pipe fitter Eric described staff as 'like friends' - saying that 'you don't get places like this' very often. Mandi, a former Cleveland Council worker, added: 'The little things they do are just exceptional, and it makes me feel better. 'There's a lovely ambience - and they are dog friendly in the garden!' Mandy is right - the walled garden is a key feature of the pub. It allows customers to dine outside amongst heaters and wrap up warm with a blanket by fire pits when the summer nights turn cold. The garden is a popular feature (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) General manager Katie Thirkell, who started as a waitress when she was just 16-years-old, said there had been a 'huge investment' in it by the owners over the years. 'Marcus is always out on the lawn mower', the mum-of-three said. 'He really cares about it.' The pub itself has also seen many changes over the years, with the owners recently investing in a quaint country cottage attached to the building so two guests can stay overnight. Katie, 36, explains: 'When I first started, it was a very different building to what it is now. General manager Katie Thirkell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) 'There's been some little refurbs and main refurbs. 'Covid then changed everything for us, as we had a private dining room upstairs and we couldn't use that anymore. We changed it around and now have nine tables upstairs.' But despite the pandemic, and the ongoing struggle for the hospitality industry as a whole, Katie's colleague Chloe, who has worked at the pub for 10 years, said it's still hugely busy. She said: 'You'd think during the week we wouldn't be but it's like it is the new weekend! It's been like that for quite a while, on Tuesday we were fully booked.' The outdoor dining area of the garden (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The suntrap beer garden (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) GM Katie has been at The Bay Horse for an impressive 14 years, having previously worked at several spots in Yarm, including Hide and The Keys. And she said only a few staff have left in that time - which 'means something' is right. She also touched on the personal relationship between staff and customers: 'We have regulars who come in for drinks and regulars for food. 'You ask about where they're from and they ask about your news. 'It is lovely to have that relationship and we're always asking for their updates. It is like a little community, everyone looks out for each other. 'We have seen many people go through the highs and lows of life'. Katie said Marcus and Jonathan both put a lot of emphasis on the menu, with one of the pub's standout dishes being a slow-cooked daube of beef with beef medallions, truffled mustard leeks, Alsace bacon, truffled pomme puree winter root vegetables, and sticky red wine gravy. Just the sound of it is enough to get the mouth watering. But Katie, from Darlington, said it's key to make sure customers don't feel intimidated by the luxurious menus at the pub, which can seat around 60 diners at one time. 'Nobody should feel out of place or second class', she explained. 'I emphasise to the staff to make people feel comfortable. This is something restaurant manager Luke Conroy agrees with: 'Sometimes people can be intimidated coming as we do have a great reputation. Luke Conroy and Chloe Wilson (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) 'And there is nothing better than seeing a friendly face and someone that can get on their level. 'It's about being able to deliver that service and I think that's why the front of house is the most important bit.' Luke, 36, who has worked at the restaurant for five years, said the aim was to make the customers almost 'feel at home' - and try something they don't normally have. Inside The Bay Horse, in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Read More: Jaw-dropping bird's nest arena to be built at new Bishop Auckland theme park La Piazza to open restaurant 'very soon' on Yarm High Street Popular Darlington nightclub confirms permanent closure Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. . He added that it was a credit to the owners that the pub was still going as strong today, attracting people as far as London and continuing to rack up five-star reviews. He said: 'The Bay Horse has been here for 17 years and the fact that a pub like this is still up and running, and flourishing, proves everything we do is a testament to the place as a whole. 'Not a lot of restaurants stay open for 15 years and are still doing as well as we are, and that's something to be proud of.'
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Heartfelt notes and flowers laid at scene as Stanley shooting probe enters third day
Heartfelt tributes and flowers have been laid at the scene of a shooting in Stanley after a man was allegedly gunned down in broad daylight. Barry Dawson was shot in his own home on Elm Street, in South Moor, at around 5.20pm on Saturday - and despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly died at the scene. The 60-year-old has been described as a "thoroughly decent man" - and his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the shocked Stanley community. Flowers laid at the scene of a fatal shooting in Stanley (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) More than a dozen bouquets of flowers have been laid against brickwork on the street, just metres from a blue and white police cordon and a CSI investigation tent. Heart-breaking notes to Barry, who worked for a crisp factory KP Snacks, say 'you will be missed' - with others adding: 'Rest easy now.' The investigation into Barry's death - whose friends today claimed is a case of mistaken identity - has now entered its third day, with crime scene investigators remaining at the scene. Flowers laid at the scene of a fatal shooting in Stanley (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Pictures from the scene show that several police vans remain on Elm Street, with the blue tent positioned beside a shattered front window. Durham Constabulary confirmed yesterday that a post-mortem examination revealed Mr Dawson, known to friends as 'Buck', died of a single gunshot wound. A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman who were previously arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Sunday remain in police custody. Police remain at the scene (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Flowers laid at the scene of a fatal shooting in Stanley (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) As previously reported, residents described the broad daylight attack as 'terrifying' - with Danielle Scott, who lives a few doors away, saying: 'I never thought I would experience anything like this. I want to move out, I don't want to be here.' Shocking footage of the alleged incident has also since been uploaded to social media, showing two figures outside a house in the street before one appears to fire a shot through the blinds. Officers are still appealing for witnesses to come forward and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a white Seat Arona in the area around the time of the incident. Police remain at the scene (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The vehicle has since been found abandoned nearby in the Oxhill area and has been examined by crime scene investigators. Read More: Footage shows shocking Stanley 'shooting' that killed man Stanley shooting: Friends claim 'murder' of grandad was 'mistake' Police name victim of fatal Stanley shooting as Barry Dawson Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. . A cordon remains in place at the scene while enquiries continue. Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 302 of April 5. Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Concerns raised over five-year-olds in Darlington failing to reach expected standards
Children in Darlington aged up to five-years-old are not meeting expected levels for key skills, statistics have revealed at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage in the academic year 2023 to 2024. The Office for National Statistics has published data from the Department for Education for the standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to aged five - the Early Years Foundation Stage. The data shows that key development standards of children in Darlington in the academic year 2023/24 are lower than the national average. Centre of Darlington (Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT) In Darlington, only 73.8 per cent of children are reaching the expected standard in Maths by the end of their 'early' years. The national average of children reaching the expected standard is 78 per cent. Early Education Minister, Stephen Morgan, said: 'It's simply not good enough that almost a third of children aren't school-ready at age five. Teachers being taken off teaching to manage issues with school-readiness holds back every child's learning and life chances. 'This government has inherited an early years system that fails to drive the highest outcomes and tackle inequality, but we have a clear mission to break down barriers to opportunity and ensure tens of thousands of children are school-ready through our Plan for Change. 'We have already started that work: extending early language support, kicking off the first phase of school-based nurseries, and improving training and guidance for early educators to better support and assess children with special educational needs.' The lowest level of children reaching the attainment rate is for a skill is within literacy. Only 68.5 per cent of children are achieving the expected level at this stage. This is a low point nationally, too, the average is 70.7 Some 23.8 per cent of children finishing the early years foundation stage are not at the expected levels of language and communication in Darlington. The numbers of children reaching the expected levels at the end of this stage have also fallen for maths and communication and language skills, since academic year 2021 to 2022. Read more: Newton Aycliffe hairdresser crowned 'best hairdresser' in Echo's competition Injured veterans tackle seven of world's highest peaks in epic endeavour Man dragged woman who feared for life out of car in attempted Christmas Eve robbery A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson, said: "Ofsted judges that more than 96 per cent of schools in Darlington provide good or outstanding early years provision. "The Early Years Foundation Stage profile is an assessment of children's development at the end of the academic year in which children turn five, usually reception year. "This measure, which changed following the pandemic and is relatively new, gives some insight into areas of strength and areas of development for children at this important stage in their education. "The council is working in partnership with schools, the majority of which are academies, to explore the data and promote high standards for all our children. "The council has identified 'school readiness' as a priority in the new Council Plan, so that we can bring stakeholders, including education colleagues, together to consider what more can be done to support our children in the early years.'
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
37 pictures as thousands of runners take on Middlesbrough Half Marathon
Runners pounded the pavements of Middlesbrough in the town's half marathon this morning (Sunday, March 3). Almost 2,700 runners took part in the 13.1-mile race on a circular route through Albert Park, past the Riverside Stadium, along the Tees and finishing back at Centre Square. For some of the taking part the race was all about speed but one pair was seen taking on the route while juggling three balls. Two runners show off their multitasking skills by completing the race while juggling. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Douglas Musson placed first crossing the finish line in just one hour, six minutes and seven seconds. Douglas Musson, race winner, left. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Jasmine Clarke was the fastest woman completing it in one hour, eighteen minutes and twenty-two seconds. In the junior race of just under 700m around Central Square Hartlepool Athletics club member Albert Brown clocked a winning time of two minutes thirty-eight seconds. It is the second time the event, in aid of the Teesside Family Foundation, has taken place after a successful first outing last year. Roads around the town centre were closed while the race took place. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Read next: Darlington dad's sentence for murder referred for review for being 'too lenient' Spectacular pictures as Fire and Ice festival returns to Durham City Ex County Durham GP saw patients while drunk and offered woman £1k to sleep with him lick here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Serious concerns' raised over Parkingeye taking over hospital parking charges
'Serious concerns' have been raised about proposed parking changes at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton - with those warning that it will hit patients, staff and visitors "in the pockets". South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the Friarage and James Cook Hospital, has awarded a new car park management contract to Parkingeye; a decision that has sparked significant criticism from those who use it. Parkingeye is expected to run parking on an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, requiring visitors to input their car registration into the pay machine. The contract, set to take effect at the end of March, has been met with severe opposition due to fears that it will create further hardships for staff, patients, and visitors. The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Unions have voiced their disappointment at the lack of meaningful consultation before the decision was finalised. Unite, one of the unions at the forefront of the opposition, warns that the consequences of Parkingeye's involvement have not been fully considered. The persistent issue of insufficient parking at The Friarage means that staff already struggle to find spaces, especially during peak hours, according to union bosses. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham strongly condemned the move. She said: 'It is morally wrong to be charging frontline NHS staff to park at work, especially as many are low paid and work long unsocial hours. A petition letter that was sent out in protest to the parking changes (Image: SUBMIT) 'To add insult to injury, without a thought for its own workers, South Tees NHS Trust is planning to bring in Parkingeye, a company notorious for obsessively applying parking charges. The trust needs to put its workers first and reverse its decision.' Northallerton Town Council has also raised concerns about unauthorised parking around The Friarage Hospital, particularly regarding the impact of construction vehicles on road safety. The council has expressed worry that any changes in parking policy could exacerbate the existing issues in the surrounding streets and green spaces - with people trying to avoid parking charges by parking on residential areas and nearby paths. A spokesperson for the town council said: "Northallerton Town Council is concerned about unauthorised parking on the streets and green spaces surrounding the Friarage Hospital, including the impact that construction vehicles are having on road safety. "The Council would be concerned at any development that could further increase parking issues in the vicinity of the Friarage Hospital". Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (Image: PA MEDIA) A representative of Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak has also confirmed that he is assisting several of his constituents and will be in touch with the South Tees Trust over the issue. The introduction of Parkingeye's automated enforcement system could result in a surge of fines, adding stress and financial strain on NHS workers and hospital visitors alike, according to union leaders. Unite is urging South Tees NHS Foundation Trust to engage in further consultation and ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent what it has described as "unfair penalties". The union has warned that if the trust fails to take action, they will escalate the dispute. Sharon Bailey, a Unite regional officer, further emphasised the negative impact on NHS staff, saying: 'NHS staff are already under immense pressure, and the last thing they need is the added stress and financial drain of parking penalties simply for going to work. "There are serious concerns about how this contract will impact workers, as well as patients and their families, who are likely to be experiencing difficult circumstances when visiting these hospitals.' A parking penalty notice (Image: PA MEDIA) However, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust defended the decision, stating that the trust had engaged with staff through briefings, social media, and Q&A sessions. They emphasised that the primary goal is to maintain safety for drivers, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. The trust is also exploring additional measures to reduce congestion, including car sharing, electric bike salary sacrifice, public transport use, cycle-to-work schemes, flexible start times, and a park-and-ride service. 'ANPR is already in place at our other hospital sites across University Hospitals Tees and will standardise and simplify parking arrangements for the benefit of our patients and staff,' the spokesperson added. Parkingeye has defended its involvement, stating that it is still in the early discussion phase with South Tees NHS Foundation Trust. The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) A company spokesperson claimed their system would significantly improve car park operations. 'We have lots of experience working with healthcare Trusts throughout the UK to implement modern consumer-facing systems which enhance accessibility and make parking easier and safer for staff, patients, and visitors," added the spokesperson for Parkingeye. 'Our systems are designed to ensure the efficiency and smooth operation of a hospital by ensuring that patients, visitors, and staff park in their allocated car parks. 'Despite being in the early stages, the system at both The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and The James Cook University Hospital will be a 'Pay on Exit' solution in response to the requirements of the Trust. The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) 'There will also be a wider marketing campaign with all users to ensure they are fully educated and use the car parks responsibly once the new system goes live.' However, these reassurances have done little to ease concerns. UNISON and Unite have launched petitions, which have so far been signed by over 3000 people, calling for the trust to halt the implementation of Parkingeye's system at The Friarage and James Cook hospitals. Recommended reading: County Durham homes left damp and mouldy years after free insulation installed Three charged - one with murder bid - after violent altercation at bar Spennymoor residents could feel 'vulnerable and unsafe' near homes for rough sleepers The UNISON petition states: 'This has been done without any consultation. It will lead to unfair charges being handed out to hardworking staff who are already struggling to find car parking spaces, many who are also struggling to make ends meet." Meanwhile, Unite's petition highlights the aggressive nature of Parkingeye's enforcement, stating: 'There are insufficient parking spaces in the Trust and this isn't being addressed. "This means that staff and visitors often are unable to park in designated parking places. Staff often work over and appointment times overrun. It will hit patients, staff and visitors in the pockets."
