Jordan decides to call it a day in Newcastle

DOUGLAS Jordan, owner of one of Newcastle's most highly-rated restaurants, has sold his business.

Jordan, chef and proprietor of the 40-seat Blackgate restaurant for the past eight years, sold up because he could not afford to compete with the rapid explosion of restaurants in the city offering quick, cheap food.

In the past two years he saw his trade drop by more than 20%. Lunchtime business was worst hit (Caterer, 25 February, page 10).

He said: "Newcastle does not cater for anybody with a good palate for food. I am not a pizza or pasta chef; I am a dedicated, true, honest cook.

"I feel bitter that I have had to leave and I have no immediate plans. Hopefully I will start a new restaurant in the future outside the city."

The Blackgate, which had an AA rosette and was listed in the Michelin Guide, has been bought by first-time restaurateur Gary Smith, of Newcastle.

It will be re-named the Studio Bistro.