The Hardwick Arms Hotel establishment closed in March 2019 with an aggressive plan of a four-month refurbishment of the entire property.
The developer (EMA Group Holdings Ltd) acquired the property in May 2018, and spent the time from then, understanding the local needs, customers and creating a sustainable business plan for success.
In January 2019, a further development budget of £800k was agreed by the board. This would look after the sympathetic restoration and refurbishments, with some put aside for future historical maintenance. This takes the business investment in Sedgefield to approximately £1.2mm.
The regeneration pays homage to travel, locations, people and experiences. It has an international edge of light and textured design, that provides an expansive 60 cover restaurant area and a 20-seater lounge welcome and cocktail area.
The restaurant area has choices of 3 large cozy booths, stone tables, or the very impressive repurposed ‘distressed’ tables. The lighting and mirror plan are used to give a warm and comfortable environment to enjoy what should be a favorite destination for the foodies of Teesside.
The Herd and Herb Lounge is Open 6 days a week from 12 noon to 11:30pm. The Herd and Herb Restaurant is open 6 days a week, with service 12 noon 2:30pm and 5:30 to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday lunch service is from 12 noon to 6pm.
This bright and high décor finish is a transformation to the former establishment. With new toilets for the Gents, Ladies and for the less abled or those needing baby changing facilities and new toilet area has been built. The Restaurant and Lounge operates a registered guide & buddy dog only policy
The regeneration also provides a new Hardwick Arms Bar and Summer Café. The Bar occupies an area what was the cellar, and historically a Piano bar. The Bar will be a traditional bar area with features repurposed from the old restaurant and bar during the refurbishment. The Bar is open from 12 noon to 11:30pm, 7 days a week.
The Café occupies what historically operated as servants’ quarters but were recently used as storage rooms. The Café opens onto the courtyard that is planted out with its own herb and fragrance garden. The areas have also been repaved to a provide safe access to the facilities. The Café is open from 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week, with preparations directly from the Herd and Herb kitchens.
The area is intended to give back space to the local community for socializing, meetings, it is intended to be a social and pet friendly environment (any pet on a lead is generally accepted).
As there is a dedicated right of way through the courtyard through to the park at the rear of the property. A gentle stroll, brisk walk or dog exercise means that we are making ramblers, dog walkers, grandparents and (afterschool) grandchildren our primary café audience. The Bar and Cafe can also be combined to hire out for functions comfortably for up to 60 people.
Finally, the Hardwick Arms Hotel, with 11 newly refurbished rooms, hallways and services, offer a hot or continental breakfast served directly from the Herd and Herb kitchens.
The first 2 phases are now complete and is planning to reopen all of its facilities by August 8th 2019. Currently the Hotel, The Herd and Herb Restaurant and Lounge started limited services from July 1st 2019.
So what to expect from the Herd and Herb Restaurant…
The Herd and Herb name came from the desire to provide local quality food from the ‘Hoof’, Pescatarian choices and a dynamic vegetarian theme, with dishes designed be provided allergen or gluten free. Its based on a British modern style menu with classic twists all from locally sourced suppliers.
The management and direction of the Kitchen has been through our food consultant, Chef Davey and Start-up Chef, Chef Laurie. The brigade is led by Chef Ben, supported by Chef Danny with Line Chef Hussan. It is planned that we take on a further two apprentices in the Kitchen later in the year.
Service and style and quality is the mantra for the “Herd” team. Front of House Paul has a dedicated team of Bar Supervisors and Service hands.
In total, the “Herd” comprises of 23 staff with currently 15 full time employees from the Stockton on Tees area. A youthful team with energy and a willingness to learn new skills and experiences. Many were engaged in the finishing process of the renovation, so they have some ‘dirt under their fingernails’ on what was in the making. They are truly there to make your visit an enjoyable and memorable experience that will get you coming back for more and brining your friends to enjoy the journey with us.
The Renovation Experts…
EMA Group Holdings provided their own Project Management Team which looked after the design, quality management and HSE elements of the project. They engaged and were supported by the Architect for the project, S McLean Design Limited from Stockton on Tees
The Main Contractors used were Preston Farm Development Consultants Limited & Wells Solutions Limited, both from Stockton on Tees.
Local contractors were sourced throughout the region for the repairs, replacements, décor and design. Included in those contractors were notably:-
• Loft to Love, Sedgefield (Tables & Bar paint destressing renovations)
• Mark Braithwaite, Sedgefield (Amtico Flooring)
• Andy Glass, Redcar (Antique Mirrors)
• Fab-Tech, Newton Aycliffe (Steelwork & Bar Tops)
• Dominic Jackson, Stockton on Tees (Decorators)
More details and reservations are available from www.hah-sedgefield.co.uk www.thehardandherb.co.uk, www.facebook/theherdandherbrestaurant
