Amanda and Simon Williamson have always enjoyed entertaining guests in their family home. When the time came to downsize, the couple saw potential in the village’s vacant cafe and made the move from Hurworth in June.
Manda’s Kitchen is located where Howeys Tea Room used to be on Main Road. The pop-up restaurant offers quality homemade food in a relaxed and homely atmosphere. So homely, in fact, guests are actually being invited to dine in the comfort of the Williamson’s dining room.
Mrs Williamson, 53 said: “I have always enjoyed cooking and I have always done a bit of catering for friends. We just thought we would take it to the next level.
“We wanted it to be somewhere homely and relaxed where people can come in and enjoy a nice cosy meal. It is your normal home cooking with more refinement.”
Whilst Mrs Williamson gets to work in the kitchen, Mr Williamson, 52, who is the managing director of High Force Training, is on hand as the host to welcome guests through the front door.
He said: “For us it is like having our own dinner party but you’re not sitting down with the guests. I’m loving being front of house and meeting new people. It is a good way of making new friends here.”
The dining area seats up to 20 people and is available for pre-booked events. Pop-up evenings are advertised in advance. A set menu is offered with a choice of two starters, a main course and a choice of two puddings or a cheese course. There is a set price of £25 per person. The next events will be held on November 3, November 4 and November 10. There is one sitting each evening at 7.30pm.
Mrs Williamson said: “People can’t just walk in as we are not open on a regular basis. They have to reserve a table. Each event is different too and we are trying to work out which evenings and events work best. Instead of putting the food on the table for friends we are spreading my cooking a little further. We will accommodate everyone.”
Although guests can bring their own drinks, the couple have now applied to Durham County Council for an alcohol licence. If accepted, they will be able to sell alcoholic drinks Monday to Sunday between the hours of 12pm and 11pm.
Mr Williamson said: “We quite like the bring your own idea because it keeps it good value for people, they are bringing what they like to drink and we don’t charge corkage.
“However, we just felt that we did not really have the control. It will offer an extra service too.”
Mrs Williamson learnt her culinary skills 30 years ago whilst attending Eggleston Hall’s cordon bleu cookery course. Despite going on to work as one of the world’s best nannies as part of the Norland Agency, Mrs Williamson learnt to incorporate her love of children and cooking.
The couple are now keen to get a taste of what people want in Gainford. Sunday lunches, themed nights and children’s parties could soon be on the menu.
Mrs Williamson: “When we first arrived here we did a takeaway to get the village in. I did 40 portions and they went in a day. We are doing that now on a monthly basis. It is very much trial and error to see what works. There are lots of different options for us to try.”
The next takeaway will be Friday, November 17. Meals must be pre-ordered and collected from the dining room between 7pm and 8pm.
Mr Williamson said: “There used to be a pizza place in the village but that has gone. We have got a chip shop but there is very little for the people in and around Gainford.
“We are handy here to get to from Darlington and Barnard Castle. It has been really positive. People have loved it.”
For details contact Mrs Williamson on 01325 730944 or 07702 218150, email man
daskitchen@hotmail.com or visit the Facebook page MandaskitchenGainford.
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