An independent restaurant which won rave reviews has revealed it is closing after struggling to recruit staff.
Tom & Nellies, in Bedale, was opened by renowned gin makers Karl and Cathy Mason last year in a historic building which had been the home of Cathy’s grandparents for nearly half a century. The restaurant was named Tom & Nellie’s in their honour - they had been the vergers of nearby St Gregory’s Church.
Mr and Mrs Mason refurbished the building and built up a strong following with the Darlington and Stockton Time’s restaurant reviewer Malcolm Warne describing it as ‘brilliant’.
But this week they told customers they are closing on December 31. Cathy said they had made the decision with a heavy heart, especially because of the close associations with the building, and the wonderful staff they had worked with.
She added: “It has been a really difficult decision borne purely out of recruitment issues. We love this beautiful building and hope it gets utilised quickly by someone who has more time than Karl and I have to devote to it. We have learnt that the hospitality sector is difficult but is also truly rewarding, it needs someone who can give it 110 per cent.
“It has been an amazing experience for both of us and we are eternally grateful to Helen Broadley and Caroline Cocker who have worked for many years in this building and who have been an incredible support to Karl and I.
"We wish them all well and thank everyone for their backing, without which Tom and Nellies would not have been the success it has been.”
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