New era for The Courtyard in Pegswood as former Morpeth restaurateur takes over
A popular restaurant is entering a new era as its founders step back.
After launching in September 2024, The Courtyard in Pegswood quickly became the number one restaurant in the area on TripAdvisor and was the recipient to a number of awards.
Martyn Lee-Redshaw and his wife Helen built the business from scratch and, after a successful 19 months, have now announced they will be passing the baton to a well-known local restauranteur.
Florin Robert Stan, the previous owner of The Townhouse in Morpeth, took the business under his wing from May 11.
Martyn explained that the decision to lease The Courtyard was one which was unplanned but that he hopes to see Florin take the restaurant to the next level.
He added: “When I read the sad news that The Townhouse was closing its doors, I thought this might give us the opportunity to take a sidestep and put in a structure that can really take this place to the next level.
“We've had an absolutely fantastic team. Myself and Helen have put loads of time and effort into it ourselves, but, it is time to take a breath and it will give us free reign to look at some new projects.
“I am sure Florin will do really well, he will have our full support as landlords.
"We absolutely aren't leaving the courtyard behind, we are invested in it.”
After managing The Townhouse until its sudden closure back in February, Florin was looking for a new challenge and will bring with him decades of hospitality experience.
He said: “I am really excited for the next step. From the moment of the possible prospect of doing this to actually signing the contract, the level of excitement was already there.
"Of course I am worried about stepping into big shoes.
"Although Martyn hasn't got a hospitality background, you cannot tell that when looking at what he has accomplished and created.”
Florin says the business will continue to run as usual and that customers should expect the same service moving forward.
He added: “The Courtyard has become a success story before me so I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone.”