Michael Stewart takes over Norden Arms

Norden Arms

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Michael Stewart is realising a lifelong dream of running his own pub and restaurant taking over the Norden Arms.

After several months of negotiations with the Landlord, he bought the business in late January.

He said: “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to run my own restaurant and bar. I’m letting my heart rule my head, but I’m now taking my first steps into food and hospitality. I won’t be taking a back seat from my estate agency though.”

The Edenfield Road pub, most recently operating as Italian restaurant Osteria, will see it return to the previous name, The Norden Arms.

Mr Stewart, a local estate agent, explained: “I spoke with customers who told me they missed the old Norden Arms. We’re giving the people what they want with the old name; why change something everyone fondly remembers?”

He plans to convert the first floor to an area suitable for functions such as birthdays and christenings and develop the outdoor terrace, which will be heated in winter.

The pub will remain open during the transitional period, which will see a new menu and renovations to the bar and décor. The menu will feature ‘traditional pub grub’ and sandwiches and Mr Stewart is working on a wine list, cocktail list and sourcing fine ales and beers.

He said: “I’ve brought in my own team and head-hunted a fine head chef and kitchen team to implement my menu, which has been developed with the help of some highly-regarded restaurateurs.

“We have live acts every Saturday and we’re hoping to have gin and cocktail nights too.

“This is one of these opportunities that I've followed my heart with and I hope very much to make it a great success for me, my family and more so for the local community.”

A launch party is being planned for the last weekend of February.