Food & Drink Awards 2020

Page 20 www.lux-review.com LUX 2020 Food & Drink Awards When Wayne and Helen Leonard decided to establish their own restaurant eight years ago, they began with only a very small old fishing tackle shop, a derelict pub, many years of experience in hospitality and a keen hunger to share their love of food. Today, Cookfella’s Eatery and Wine Bar is a beloved culinary establishment that encapsulates Wayne and Helen’s shared passion for a relaxed, continental style of dining. Having spent eight years travelling and working around Europe, and even owning a restaurant in Spain for some time, Wayne and Helen were determined to distil the colourfully vibrant yet mellow and affable spirit of the European lifestyle into their Yorkshire restaurant. This works in harmony with the eatery’s dedication to producing high quality dishes made with fresh, well-sourced ingredients that are prepared with a keen eye to detail and care. Wayne and Helen were determined that as the owners they would carefully oversee every element of their operation, from the food to the service to the very ambience of the eatery and the result is an outstanding culinary establishment that exists at the heart of its community. Over the years, Cookfella’s has welcomed a great medley of people, from young teenagers on their first date to elderly couples who have visited weekly for many years, chattering groups of students to glorious family gatherings. Nestled in a market town neighbouring the North Yorkshire moors is a vivacious oasis of Mediterranean and continental- inspired cuisine and culture in the form of Cookfella’s Eatery and Wine Bar. Created by travellers and gourmands, Wayne and Helen Leonard, Cookfella’s has been serving high-quality food for eight years, from tried-and-tested home comfort meals to fresh and innovative dishes designed to delight foodies of all age and background. As a result, Cookfella’s has become a household name in the town of Guisborough and one that is loved by all. Cookfella’s Eatery &Wine Bar Best Casual Dining Venue - North Yorkshire Since Cookfella’s first opened its doors, its ethos has always been ‘cooked with passion and served with love’, a philosophy which is clearly exhibited by the family-run eatery’s position at the heart of many social bubbles. Their loyal clientele has created an 80% return rate and maintained Cookfella’s high popularity, even when a Wetherspoons opened up nearby and put pressure on many of the surrounding independent businesses. When combined with Cookfella’s persevering presence in the lives of customers via social media even during lockdown, it is testament to the importance of Cookfella’s to the community of Guisborough and the surrounding areas. Whilst the ‘Cookfella Classics’ that have been on the menu since day one may be key to ensuring customers are always coming back for more, Wayne and Helen would never settle on serving only ‘ same-old, tried-and-tested’ dishes. Cookfella’s is completely unique in its travel-inspired dishes, that bring together elements of Wayne’s classical French culinary training, influences from Helen’s upbringing in the Far East, traditional British favourites and a taste of the Mediterranean to create mouth- watering dishes that are carefully tasted and tweaked until they are perfection itself. Whilst Wayne and Helen may have been the masterminds behind capturing the essence of a languid summer holiday in a homely English eatery, it would not be possible without the team who make up the Cookfella’s family. In the kitchens, the staff bring their diverse culinary experiences from pubs, cafes, fine dining and wherever else together to create magnificent culinary dishes that are unlike any other for miles around. Meanwhile, the front of house staff is made up of unique, passionate individuals who are invested in ensuring the dining experience at Cookfella’s is truly outstanding for every guest. There is no hierarchy or ego in the Cookfella’s family; only a shared passion for making their eatery the best it can be. In eight years, this family has grown into something very close to both Wayne and Helen’s heart, who regularly welcome back those who started their careers as fourteen-year-old pot washers in Cookfella’s early days! While Covid-19 has had an impact on business for Cookfella’s over the past year in conjunction with the pressures created by the opening of the Wetherspoons, the eatery has demonstrated its resilience, developing so as to stay competitive and relevant. Thanks to its incredible menus, tempting offers, lovely staff and, of course, its loyal and beloved clientele, Cookfella’s is able to look forward to many more years of feeding its guests delicious food that is cooked with passion and served with love. Contact: Wayne Leonard Company: Cookfella’s Eatery & Wine Bar Web Address: www.cookfellas.co.uk Sep20412