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Food lovers in the North East are in for a treat! From Thursday 12th June to Saturday 14th June, MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 winner Dan Merriman will join Jake Siddle, head chef and co-founder of Faru, for a limited, collaborative tasting menu at the acclaimed fine dining restaurant in Durham.
Since opening its doors in 2023, Faru has quickly garnered attention for its produce-driven tasting menus that highlight the very best of modern British cuisine. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is the ideal setting for enjoying thoughtfully crafted dishes that are as flavoursome as they are visually stunning.
This one-off menu marks the first time Merriman has collaborated on a full tasting experience in the North East, since winning MasterChef: The Professionals last year. Across the evening, guests will be guided through a series of thoughtful, seasonal courses created by both chefs—a meeting of two distinct but like-minded approaches to flavour, technique, and balance, that showcases their shared philosophy of intentional and flavourful cooking.
Known for his confident, ingredient-led style, Merriman impressed judges during the 2024 series with his composure, creativity, and instinctive understanding of flavour. Since winning the title, he’s continued to refine a style that favours precision over performance, and this collaboration will give guests a rare opportunity to experience that style across multiple courses.
The 10-course tasting menu, designed to highlight the tastes of the ingredients as much as possible include:
Duck liver parfait with cherry and duck ham
XO-glazed hand-dived scallop with salted cabbage, kimchi, and kaffir lime
Halibut with turnip, apple, and Artelium sauce
Snacks and desserts to round off the experience
Laura Siddle will also offer a curated wine pairing to accompany the menu. The experience will run for five services over three days, with a small number of covers available per service.
The full tasting menu is priced at £125 per person.
Please book via Faru's website.
Opened in 2023 by husband-and-wife team Jake and Laura Siddle, Faru has quietly built a reputation for its focused, produce-driven tasting menus. The restaurant's name, derived from the word 'Faru' meaning 'journey' in old English, reflects the couple's commitment to creating a dining experience centered around high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing.
Faru showcases modern British dishes with quiet precision in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for food enthusiasts. The restaurant emphasises strong relationships with food and wine suppliers, ensuring that each dish celebrates the unique flavours and textures of its region.
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