Lovage in Jesmond near Newcastle makes Michelin Guide

Since its opening in October last year, Lovage in Jesmond has gone from strength to strength after his well-like restaurant gained a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide this month.

The Mediterranean bistro, which is located on St George's Terrace, has been exceedingly popular with residents since opening, with this Michelin spot serves as an extra feather in the cap of Kleo Tabaku, chef and co-owner of Lovage.

Speaking on the honour, Mr Tabaku said he was thrilled to be featued on such an exclusive list and was glad his team's work was being recognised.

Read more: New restaurant Lovage opens in Jesmond near Newcastle

Kelo Tabaku with Lisa (Image: Lovage)

He said: “It is absolutely fantastic to be recognised by Michelin in such a short space of time,” he said.

“Everyone is absolutely delighted to have been mentioned in what is the world’s most prestigious restaurant guide and it’s testament to all of our team for the hard work they have put in.”

Meanwhile, Michelin described the eatery as a "charming neighbourhood brasserie" and noted they were surprised by the inclusion of Mediterranean food on the Albanian-born chef's menu.

It said: “There is a welcome lack of fussiness to the cooking – dishes burst with flavour and are designed for sharing; with sensibly priced wines from across Europe being an added plus”

Adding to this, the guide heaped praise onto Mr Tabaku's partner, Lisa, the front-of-house manager for Lovage, calling her a "natural hostess."

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Dishes on the menu reflect the seasons, with current starters including Cornish sardines, salsa verde and lovage crumb and cauliflower, spinach and wind foraged garlic fritters with minted yoghurt.

These dishes had also been praised by Michelin on social media.      

Main dishes feature meals such as Skrei cod, mussels and clam chowder, Yorkshire rabbit pappardelle with gremolata to Harissa roasted sweet potato, pomegranate and aubergine cous cous.

Desserts such as blood orange and passion fruit tart with stem ginger and marscapone cream, or apple and rhubarb crumble hacve also proven a hit with restaurant-goers.

Mr Tabaku has worked in a number of high end establishments, but has always dreamt of owning his own restaurant featuring his particular style of cooking.

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Stuart Young, co-owner of Lovage praised everyone working at the restaurant and highlighted their extraordinary achievement.

“All the faith we have had in Kleo and his team from day one has been acknowledged in the best way possible,” Mr Young added.

“This is an incredible achievement in such a short space of time.”