Member Article

New staff on menu at North Yorkshire restaurant

Howards, a popular Stokesley restaurant, is continuing with its development and commitment to creating opportunities for local people by recruiting another chef.

Douglas Tate, from Great Ayton, has been appointed as commis chef at the bistro, on College Square.

Since completing his probationary period at Howards, the 22 year old chef has achieved his NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery at Middlesbrough College, adding to his Level 2 in the same subject, and Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles. Howards is now supporting Douglas as he works towards his Level 3 in Hospitality and Catering Principles.

The young chef joins Andrew Russell and Owen Brosnan who took over the full-time running of Howards’ kitchen earlier this year. Both chefs have worked at the restaurant for around two years and gained a range of qualifications. And Edwina Banks, who joined Howards last year, has been promoted to chef de partie.

Speaking about his new role, Douglas said: “This is fantastic opportunity to progress my career in a highly-regarded bistro which offers such a wide range of food. Also, I’m working with some very experienced chefs who I know I can learn such a lot from, as well as contribute some of my own ideas whilst continuing with my studies.”

Owner of Howards, Graham Howard, added: “Douglas is so enthusiastic and has good experience. He’s already introducing some ideas which feature on our new summer menu. As a business we’re committed to retaining our local team and creating new opportunities whilst encouraging staff to progress their studies- which is exactly what Douglas is doing.”

Family-run Howard’s prides itself on working with local suppliers and employing local people with all of the 15 staff living within a 10 mile radius of Stokesley. Howards has notched up a number of accolades, such as being included in the Harden’s UK Restaurant Guide- one of the UK’s most influential food guides- for four consecutive years

The bistro was taken over by local businessman, Graham Howard and his family, in 2008 and has continued to grow in popularity thanks to its mix of its Market Menu, family favourite dishes, comfort food and seasonally-changing menus.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison Associates .