David Blackhall: Head Chef

David joined Barluga 10 years ago in its former incarnation ‘Metropolitan Brasserie’, considered by many to be Newcastle’s most prestigious and successful restaurant at that time. Starting as a Chef de Partie, David rose within the ‘kitchen brigade’ at Metropolitan until reaching the position of Head Chef.

David comments:

“During my time here, I have been lucky to work with several very talented Chefs, from whom I learned a great deal, whilst being allowed the freedom to develop my art and express my particular culinary skills.

“The re-defined Barluga has brought many new and exciting challenges to me and my ever increasing culinary team. I have sole responsibility for designing menus, plus sourcing fresh produce from local suppliers. My inspiration comes from my travels, as well as experimenting with different local fresh ingredients and cooking styles.

“The front of house and kitchen run very closely as a tight knit team, both very willing to help each other and achieve the same goal of total customer satisfaction.”

Vikki Little: Manager

Vicky moved to Newcastle to study a degree in Sociology in autumn 2000, during and after which she worked within the management teams of several of bars and restaurants around the city. After deciding to return to post-graduate study in 2005, Vicky joined Barluga initially as a part-time member of waiting staff; becoming full time and shortly afterward being promoted to Junior Management in late 2007, and then further to Assistant Manager in early 2009.

Vicky comments:

“I feel fortunate to work within a company who pride themselves on recognising and nurturing individual staff strengths and potential and who very much allow their management teams a large degree of ownership of their respective venues. In Barluga this is a particularly important element of our success, as we are all able to bring a little something of ourselves, past experiences and interests, to work with us.

“Much of my contribution to our management team stems from knowledge and abilities developed through a love of good food and drink and considerable personal experience of the restaurant and bar culture, both via work and travel. This, combined with an uncompromising approach to customer service standards, allow us to consistently and successfully strive to make your visit to Barluga something you’ll remember and want to repeat.”

Kieran Holliday: Assistant Manager

“I moved to the North East in 2005 to study at Northumbria University, and quickly realised a desire to pursue a career in the bar industry. I joined Fluid Group initially as a member of the bar team at Barluga in the winter of 2009 and was quickly promoted to a junior management position in Perdu. I am very excited at the opportunity to return to Barluga as assistant manager and be a key member of the new team.”

Harriet Langston: Bar Supervisor

We are pleased to welcome a new member to our management team. Harriet has recently been promoted to supervisor having worked hard for us for the last year as a member of bar staff. We have high hopes for Harriet, her hard work and commitment to customer service is a welcome addition to barlugas team.

Jake Perkins: Bar Supervisor

“I have enjoyed working at Barluga during my time spent studying at Newcastle University. Now graduated and recently promoted to bar supervisor, I’m looking forward to the exciting challenges of being a manager within this diverse yet intimate company.”

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:23:14 GMT (updated: Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:57:13 GMT)