We are delighted to share that our very own, Terry Laybourne has been awarded Newcastle upon Tyne’s highest civic honour – Freedom of the City.
The honour, presented by Lord Mayor Henry Gallagher at a ceremony at the Civic Centre, recognises Terry’s outstanding contribution to the city’s hospitality scene.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr Henry Gallagher presented a framed scroll to Mr Laybourne in front of an audience of his family and friends in a ceremony at the Civic Centre.
Cllr Gallagher said: “Terry Laybourne has contributed enormously to the hospitality industry, the culture and the economy of Newcastle. His restaurants have become a by-word for excellence in fine dining and we are proud to call him one of our own.
He received the prestigious accolade in recognition of his contribution to the restaurant scene in Newcastle spanning 36+ years starting with 21 Queen Street, which was set up by chef Terry Laybourne, his wife Susan and brother Laurance (pictured above).
Terry’s 21 Hospitality has employed more than 5,000 people throughout his career – many of whom have gone on to make their own mark on the industry both locally and abroad, from New York to Australia.
In 1988, he made history as the first chef in Newcastle to be awarded a Michelin star, just three years after opening 21 Queen Street. Since then, he has helped shape the city’s hospitality landscape through his 21 Hospitality group of restaurants, which includes acclaimed venues such as The Broad Chare, St. Vincent, Café 21, Porterhouse Butcher and Grill and Saltwater Fish Company. He was awarded an MBE for services to the industry in 1999.
On receiving the award, Terry said:
“It’s lovely to be recognised for having made a difference and that’s my overriding feeling,” Terry says.
“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.”
“I’m very proud to have played a small part in bringing Newcastle’s hospitality sector to the fore.”
As he reflects on his early years, Terry acknowledged his close partnership with Nick Shottel, Operations Director at 21 Hospitality group, whom he refers to as ‘Mr Hospitality.’
“I’ve been hugely fortunate to have Nick alongside me as my right-hand-man,” he says.
“And, of course, without the ongoing support of our customers, there would be no restaurants. Some of those people have been with us from day one – and I’m hugely grateful that they’re still there today.”
Terry’s name now appears on the sandstone wall of the Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall, alongside fellow recipient Eddie Howe.
