Newcastle’s first Michelin-starred chef and the founder of 21 Hospitality Group, Terry Laybourne, is set to be granted one of Tyneside’s most prestigious honours – the Freedom of Newcastle.
Following in the footsteps of North East legends including Sir Bobby Robson, cardinal Basil Hume and professor Peter Higgs, Terry is set to become a freeman of the city later this year.
“It’s lovely to be recognised for having made a difference and that’s my overriding feeling,” said Terry. “However, I am, and always have been, little more than a cog in the wheel. I’d suggest that I’m the architect, the conductor maybe, who didn’t necessarily build anything. The execution is down to my wonderful staff and the teams of talented people I’ve had around me over the years.
“I’d like to recognise those people, and I would like them to know that this honour is as much about them as it is about me. The reality is that they make me look good. Our industry has a reputation for the transience of its workforce, and yet there are people I work with now who’ve been by my side for many, many years.
“Being part of 21 Hospitality Group is about being part of an organisation where loyalty goes both ways, and where training and career development are a key focus. To work within such a strong and trusted team, in my home city, feels special. I’m very proud to have played a small part in bringing Newcastle’s hospitality sector to the fore.”
Terry opened his first Newcastle restaurant – 21 Queen Street – in 1988 with his wife, Susan, and brother, Laurance. Within three years it received a Michelin Star.
“Throughout that time, I’ve been hugely fortunate to have Mr Hospitality, Nick Shottel [operations director at 21 Hospitality Group], alongside me as my right-hand man,” added Terry.
