Crust.k restaurant set to open in Billingham Beck Country Park

James Durham was a senior planning manager when he decided to buy an old horse trailer and convert it into a wood-fired pizza van called Flaming Dough in 2022.

James will continue to trade from his pizza van. (Image: JAMES DURHAM)

In 2024, after operating Flaming Dough as a side hustle for nearly two years, the dad-of-two quit his job to set up his first coffee shop and restaurant, Crust Norton on Ridley Mews.

Crust Norton. (Image: JAMES DURHAM)

This year, he plans to embark on his biggest venture yet, crust ⓚ.

The restaurant will be situated in the former Visitor Centre at Billingham Beck Country Park and will offer brunch, lunch and dinner, featuring Neapolitan style pizza alongside a range of new dishes that will be revealed in the coming months.

James, who plans to carry out much of the renovation work himself, has the support of his wife, a local teacher, and his daughter Amelia, who plays an integral role in the day-to-day running of Crust Norton.

(Image: JAMES DURHAM)

He said “I’m really focused on getting this right.

"I want to provide great service, quality food and a beautiful setting that people genuinely enjoy spending time in.

“We’ve spent almost five years trading here with Flaming Dough, and we’d often say what a fantastic restaurant this building would make.

"We just never imagined we’d be the ones bringing it back to life.

He added that the response to the announcement has been positive: "We’ve not had one negative comment - the support has been incredible.

"When we first put the planning application in, people we had never met had gone on to the planning portal and put letters of support on there.

"The plan is to send them all a handwritten letter and invite them to our opening night as a thank you."

James, from Norton, announced getting the keys on the Crust ⓚ’s Facebook & Instagram page, which was met with messages of support.

One user said: "Cannot wait to see the end result”.

"Great to see it’s actually being reused and given a second life."

The Facebook and Instagram page already has a combined 1000 followers and James is posting a weekly video diary, updating customers about the project and what it takes to build a restaurant.