Member Article

Return from Oz inspires new fine dining business

Two catering experts who joined forces after plying their trade at some of the region’s most high-profile venues have launched a new venture inspired by a trip Down Under.

Matt Daniel and Kris Wood – the pair behind Newcastle-based Jackson’s, which specialises in corporate catering – have created a new business which aims to bring the fine dining experience enjoyed by the chattering classes of Queensland, Australia, to the North East.

Three years ago the duo, who met during their time working in high-end restaurants and bars in the region, set up Jackson’s to service the demand for catering at corporate breakfast and hospitality events.

While Jackson’s continues to flourish with an ever-growing portfolio of business clients, the catering partners have decided to launch an additional company which they believe to be a first for the region.

Jacob & Tori is a new intimate service which will deliver the fine dining restaurant experience to weddings, private functions and canapé receptions.

The company is named in honour of an Australian couple under which Mr Daniel worked on a trip to Oz before he went into business with Kris Wood.

During a summer spent visiting his antipodean friends and family, Mr Daniel was employed by a small, private catering service aimed at Brisbane’s upper class circle.

After witnessing the success enjoyed by his employers, Jacob and Tori, he returned home with a plan to do something which was similar but perhaps slightly more affordable for the average restaurant customer.

He said: “We wanted to set up something prestigious and intimate and offer the high end dining experience that very few companies are offering in the North East.

“Because of our background in some of the region’s most renowned food and drink venues, we understand what it takes to deliver true quality in both cuisine and customer service and believe we have created a concept that is unique in this region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .