Simon Jewitt appointed head chef at Norse

The critically acclaimed Nordic inspired restaurant, Norse in Harrogate has promoted sous chef, Simon Jewitt to head chef.

Simon, a longstanding member of the team, will begin his role as head chef from mid-May 2016 with the intention of building on and developing the fine dining restaurant, as well as bringing on board more regional suppliers.

Paul Rawlinson said: “Simon has been an influential member of the close-knit team at Norse for most of its life. His talent and commitment to the business makes his internal promotion well deserved. It’s refreshing to be able to make a significant leadership change in the confidence that our business is in safe hands as we move forward."

The new head chef already has plans to introduce more preservation techniques, to enable locally-sourced and foraged foods to be used year-round on the menu. He is also looking through Norse’s back catalogue to revisit, refresh and develop some of the most popular dishes enjoyed by diners in the first two years.

Simon said: “I am really excited to take on the role of head chef at Norse and continue to create innovative dishes which fuse Nordic influenced cuisine with local Yorkshire produce. I am passionate about independent businesses and a major drive for 2016 will be to further develop links with local suppliers."

Born in Harrogate, Simon began his career in France before developing his skills at independent hotels and restaurants across Yorkshire.

When owner Paul Rawlinson launched his innovative Nordic influenced dining concept in the premises of his café, Baltzersen’s, Simon joined the team as sous chef soon after and has played a proactive role in the development of the restaurant’s distinctive locally sourced dishes.

Since joining Norse, the restaurant received a glowing review from The Observer’s top food critic Jay Rayner during its first year and has been listed in the Waitrose Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide.