Member Article

Big plans on the menu for hotel entrepreneur

A determined entrepreneur has found the right recipe for success to bring his new business back to the heart of the community right where it belongs.

Anthony Tillbrook, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the hotel business, has recently taken over the Devonport Hotel and gastro pub situated in its stunning location overlooking the River Tees in Middleton One Row, Darlington.

He has overseen an extensive renovation programme – costing a six-figure sum – and plans to take on six more staff after recently increasing his workforce from six to 14.

Anthony, 40, of Ingleton, said: “I really want The Devonport to be the one-stop-shop for the community where people can call in receive a very warm welcome and enjoy being here.

“I want people to come in and feel like they are part of it and to know that at any time of the day our doors are open for them.

“It’s all about consistency, it doesn’t matter if a customer is calling in for a coffee and a scone or a three course evening meal everyone will receive the same welcome and level of service.”

As part of the plans to deliver a high level of service, refurb work has included full external works such as new roofing and facias, complete repaint, and doors and windows replaced in keeping with the grade two-listed guidelines, to maintain its country house appeal.

The impressive refurbishment has also included internal improvements to décor throughout the lounge and restaurant, the development of a colourful out door courtyard with stunning hanging baskets and seating areas and a cute kiddie’s corner to keep the little ones happy.

One of the most exciting parts of the works has been the launch of a new coffee shop called Gabriella’s, named after Anthony’s young daughter.

“One of the first things we looked at was the opportunity of a coffee shop, “ added Anthony.

“We really want this to be the hub of the village where people can pop in and enjoy good conversation, coffee and tasty home bakes at the same time.

“My wife Sara has been very involved in setting this up and hopefully in the future my daughter will become part of the business too, she has already got her uniform even though she is only five-years-old!”

A unique attraction to the coffee shop is going to be a large montage feature wall, which will be made up of no less than 26 pictures of the village and surrounding areas dated from 1906 to 1950.

A lot of the pictures were sourced with the help of Darlington Local Studies Library and many were taken by the well-known photographer G.Prudhoe, who captured stunning images over the decades.

“It’s going to be a real talking point,” said Anthony

“I think locals and visitors will really enjoy chatting about places they recognise from days gone by, and looking at how the village used to be.”

Another real talking point about the Devonport is the standard of food being cooked by well-established chef Paul Ockleford, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the restaurant business, including to Michelin-guide standard.

Anthony said: “Paul is very particular about his cooking and will only cook with the best ingredients, everything is cooked fresh and he is extremely keen to use local produce too, which is proving very popular already with our customers.”

As if that wasn’t enough for a man on a mission, Anthony also has further plans for the future, which include a full refurbishment of the 17 hotel bedrooms and a beauty treatment room and spa.

And next year an outdoor front terrace which will allow customers to enjoy the stunning view across the valley.

“One of the main things that drives me to do well is the feedback I have already received from the locals, it is so encouraging, “ he added.

“It spurs me on to do my best for them and for new cutomers too; with a dedicated team of people who are ready to put the Devonport back where it belongs.”

For further information log onto www.devonporthotel.co.uk or call 01325 332255.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .