From Masterchef to Main Street: Mike Bartley Opens Jörd in Bishop Auckland
Mike Bartley, a former Masterchef contestant, is set to open Jörd in Bishop Auckland, offering an affordable fine dining tasting menu experience, supported by local council funding.
Pictured Cllr Karen Allison and Mike Bartley outside Jörd photo from Durham County Council
Food lovers in County Durham have a brand new culinary destination to celebrate. Former Masterchef contestant Mike Bartley is just days away from launching Jörd, Bishop Auckland's very first tasting menu experience. Opening its doors on Saturday 24 October 2026, the new restaurant sits right on Newgate Street next to the town marketplace.
The venture has been brought to life with a helping hand from the local council, receiving £150,000 from the Property Reuse Fund. This grant scheme, part of the Stronger Town Board initiative, focuses on breathing new economic life into vacant commercial properties. The space chosen for Jörd had stood empty for two years, making this a fantastic win for high street regeneration.
Affordable Fine Dining
While tasting menus often come with a hefty price tag, Mike's vision for Jörd is refreshingly different. His core philosophy is to offer an exceptional fine dining experience that does not break the bank, putting local and seasonal ingredients at the heart of every dish.
Local leaders have praised the project for boosting the area's visitor appeal. Councillor Karen Allison highlighted that Mike is a talented chef who has achieved wonderful things since his television appearance, noting that the community is thrilled to see his venture anchored in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
Whether you are a local resident or planning a foodie trip to County Durham, Jörd promises to be an exciting addition to the region's dining scene. You can read the official council announcement on the Durham County Council News page.
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