Andy was born in 1966 in Cambridge where he grew-up. He played drums and guitar in various rock bands before graduating in Physics at Swansea University where he played electric guitar in more rock bands and set-light to himself on stage whilst also initiating the first University orchestra for 20 years, which is still going.
He then headed for the big lights of London where he watched Marco Pierre White (youngest British chef to win 3 Michelin stars) open his famous first restaurant, Harvey’s in Wandsworth, a stone’s throw from Andy’s flat.
Four years on, and being attracted by the legendary nightlife, the increasing cultural activities, the seaside and Newcastle United, Andy moved to Newcastle to work in manufacturing.
Quickly tiring of the rigours of factory life and with a burning passion to start his own business and enter the life of a restaurateur, he opened Sidney’s Restaurant in Tynemouth (since sold) followed by Blackfriars a few years later.
Andy’s passion for all things food remains undiminished; he can often be seen at the North Shields’ Fish Quay, Grainger market and various farmers’ markets. He’s obsessed with local produce, tries to always use food when it’s in season, and spends ridiculous amounts of time researching, sourcing and cooking food. Oh yes, he also has an allotment!
Aside from Blackfriars and food, Andy sits on the City’s Business Forum, the Newcastle EAT! Food Festival Steering Committee and works with the Community Foundation. He also consults for many other catering businesses around the region and nationally, runs a small property business and a mystery dining company.
Andy lives in Newcastle with his wife, Sam, with whom he now has a daughter, Molly. Sam runs Uniquethinking PR & Marketing. [Uniquethinking website]
EDUCATION
| 2000 | NVQ Five (degree) Wines & Spirits Studies, NCFE |
| 1992 | Diploma in Management Studies, London Business School |
| 1989 | Honours Degree in Physics & Laser Physics, Swansea University |
| 1986 | 3 ‘A’ levels, 8 ‘O’ levels, Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, Cambridge |
CONSULTANCY | |
| 2002 - To present | Many businesses local and national, catering and others |
VOLUNTARY WORK | |
| To present | Various work for Newcastle Gateshead Initiative |
| 2001 - To present | Member of City Centre Business Forum |
| 2007 | Member of City Centre Business Forum |
| 2005/2006 | Member of Community Ventures Group (Community Foundation) Voluntary advice to Board of Trustees of various charitable organisations |
BUSINESS PORTFOLIO | |
| 2007 | Started Townsley Hook Property Developers |
| 2005 | Opened Café Peel @ Dance City, Newcastle (sold 2006) |
| 2001 | Opened Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle |
| 1999 | Started Hooked-on Group |
| 1999 | Opened Sidney’s Restaurant, Tynemouth (sold 2006) |
WORK EXPERIENCE | |
| 1999 - Present | Restaurateur, Mentor & Consultant |
| 1994 - 1999 | Production Manager, Viasystems, South Shields |
| 1990 - 1994 | Process Engineer, Philips, London |
FOOD AWARDS | |
| AA Guide: | One AA Rosette |
| Michelin Guide: | Bib Gourmand |
| Good Food Guide: | Listings |
| The Journal | The North East's Best New Restaurant |
| North Tyneside Small Business Awards | Small Business of the Year |
| The Metro Newspaper | Restaurant of the Year |
INTERESTS | |
| Advocating the use of growing, sourcing and cooking fresh, local and seasonal produce; playing drums, guitar and piano, triathlons. | |
 |
 |
 |