This article appeared in the Yorkshire Post on Friday 24thMarch 2006.

Hoping to Put Local Produce First

(From left to right:) Jeff Baker with Russell Turner and Neil Nugent

Michelin Star chef Jeff Baker this week opened a restaurant in York after 10 award-winning years in Leeds.

Mr Baker has teamed up with business partner Neil Nugent to open J Baker’s Bistro Moderne in Fossgate in the city.

The restaurant is based at the premises formally occupied by the Rish restaurant.

Mr Baker, who worked at Pool Court at 42 in Leeds was the first chef to achieve a Michelin Star in the city and is one of only a handful to retain the coveted star for 10 years back to back.

The chef is keen to use Yorkshire produce at his new venture.

“I am just thrilled that I can now have the complete freedom to create what I believe people are looking for from a dining experience”, he said. “We have some of the worlds leading food suppliers in Yorkshire, and I am determined to give them a platform of recognition”.

Accountants Garbutt & Elliott in York helped to structure the deal. Russell Turner of Garbutt & Elliott said “I think this is fantastic news for York’s culinary scene and we were delighted to play a leading role in bringing Jeff and his business partner Neil to York. We helped to negotiate terms and to structure the deal in the most tax efficient way as possible”.

Pool Court 42 closed after New Year’s Eve when its owners moved to France.

The solicitors for the deal were Rollits in York.

This article appeared in the Northern Echo on Thursday 23rd March 2006.

Hoping to put local produce first

MICHELIN-starred chef Jeff Baker is opening a restaurant in North Yorkshire.

Mr Baker and business partner Neil Nugent will today launch J Baker’s Bistro Moderne, in Fossgate, York. The bistro is based in the premises formally occupied by the Rish restaurant. Mr Baker said he would be making use of local product in his dishes.

“I am just thrilled that I can now have the complete freedom to create what I believe people are looking for from a dining experience,” he said.

“We have some of the world’s leading food suppliers in Yorkshire and I am determined to give them a platform of recognition.”

Mr Baker is one of only a handful of chefs in the country to retain the coveted Michelin star for ten consecutive years.

Accountants Garbutt & Elliott, and solicitors Rollitts, both of York, assisted with the opening of the business.