An exciting restaurant concept featuring an open kitchen and flavours from around the world is set ‘to be like nothing else on offer in Middlesbrough’. Tarek Thoma, the man behind the successful The Oven Restaurant on Linthorpe Road, will launch Bazaar early next year. Located in Captain Cook Square, it is the latest step in Middlesbrough Council’s vision to turn the square into a regional leisure destination. Mayor Chris Cooke visited the vacant unit with Tarek, where work is set to begin this week.
An exciting restaurant concept featuring an open kitchen and flavours from around the world is set ‘to be like nothing else on offer in Middlesbrough’.
Tarek Thoma, the man behind the successful The Oven Restaurant on Linthorpe Road, will launch Bazaar early in 2024. Located in Captain Cook Square, it is the latest step in Middlesbrough Council’s vision to turn the square into a regional leisure destination.
Work is set to begin at the restaurant, which will feature a signature copper pizza oven currently being made in Italy especially for the project. It will sit in the main dining area, stimulating the senses of restaurant-goers
who will also enjoy a dessert station and other ‘food-court style’ cooking areas.
Luxurious interior design and an ornate glass orangery extension wrapped round the building – which was formerly home to a café and bank - will transform the look of the square.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke was invited inside the unit to hear more about the plans.
He said: "The Bazaar will be a fantastic addition to Middlesbrough’s food scene and complements Level X and the great range of developments getting ready to launch at Captain Cook Square.
“I can tell how enthusiastic Tarek is about this new venture, and I’m delighted that a business owner who is already so successful in Middlesbrough is keen to further invest in our town centre.
“I’m very impressed with Tarek’s plans and can’t wait to see it open.”
Tarek, who received a British Empire Medal in 2021 for his work during the height of the Covid pandemic to deliver essential items and food to the vulnerable, has worked at Michelin Star kitchens including L’Escargot in
London.
He also famously cooked for Tony Blair and US President George Bush while at the Dun Cow in Sedgefield in 2003.
The Oven Restaurant, on the corner of Southfield Road, was opened eight years ago and has attracted a dedicated following for its eclectic menu which is influenced by Tarek’s cooking career and his Egyptian roots.
Its Sunday lunches often attract long queues of hungry Teessiders, and Tarek has confirmed his first restaurant will continue to operate as normal.
“The food is the most important thing to keep customers coming back to any restaurant, and Bazaar will be no different,” said Tarek.
“Our menu will be based on what people enjoy at The Oven Restaurant, but this is an entirely new concept and the fact the food will be cooked in front of our diners will take it in a completely new direction.
“When it’s completed, the restaurant will be completely unique for Middlesbrough, like nothing else on offer in the town – the design, by local firm Cocoon and Bauer, is incredible and I think people will be blown away
when they come in.
“I’m very excited about what we are creating, and I cannot wait to welcome diners.”
Middlesbrough Council is developing Captain Cook Square with funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), with plans to get more people living, working, learning and spending their leisure time in the town centre.
Level X – a family entertainment centre with state-of-the-art karting, VR and bowling – opened in February while Middlesbrough’s first e-sports arena The Wired Lobby is getting ready to open in the coming months.
They will be joined by a boutique cinema and more food and drink outlets.
An exciting restaurant concept featuring an open kitchen and flavours from around the world is set ‘to be like nothing else on offer in Middlesbrough’.
Tarek Thoma, the man behind the successful The Oven Restaurant on Linthorpe Road, will launch Bazaar early in 2024. Located in Captain Cook Square, it is the latest step in Middlesbrough Council’s vision to turn the square into a regional leisure destination.
Work is set to begin at the restaurant, which will feature a signature copper pizza oven currently being made in Italy especially for the project. It will sit in the main dining area, stimulating the senses of restaurant-goers
who will also enjoy a dessert station and other ‘food-court style’ cooking areas.
Luxurious interior design and an ornate glass orangery extension wrapped round the building – which was formerly home to a café and bank - will transform the look of the square.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke was invited inside the unit to hear more about the plans.
He said: "The Bazaar will be a fantastic addition to Middlesbrough’s food scene and complements Level X and the great range of developments getting ready to launch at Captain Cook Square.
“I can tell how enthusiastic Tarek is about this new venture, and I’m delighted that a business owner who is already so successful in Middlesbrough is keen to further invest in our town centre.
“I’m very impressed with Tarek’s plans and can’t wait to see it open.”
Tarek, who received a British Empire Medal in 2021 for his work during the height of the Covid pandemic to deliver essential items and food to the vulnerable, has worked at Michelin Star kitchens including L’Escargot in
London.
He also famously cooked for Tony Blair and US President George Bush while at the Dun Cow in Sedgefield in 2003.
The Oven Restaurant, on the corner of Southfield Road, was opened eight years ago and has attracted a dedicated following for its eclectic menu which is influenced by Tarek’s cooking career and his Egyptian roots.
Its Sunday lunches often attract long queues of hungry Teessiders, and Tarek has confirmed his first restaurant will continue to operate as normal.
“The food is the most important thing to keep customers coming back to any restaurant, and Bazaar will be no different,” said Tarek.
“Our menu will be based on what people enjoy at The Oven Restaurant, but this is an entirely new concept and the fact the food will be cooked in front of our diners will take it in a completely new direction.
“When it’s completed, the restaurant will be completely unique for Middlesbrough, like nothing else on offer in the town – the design, by local firm Cocoon and Bauer, is incredible and I think people will be blown away
when they come in.
“I’m very excited about what we are creating, and I cannot wait to welcome diners.”
Middlesbrough Council is developing Captain Cook Square with funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), with plans to get more people living, working, learning and spending their leisure time in the town centre.
Level X – a family entertainment centre with state-of-the-art karting, VR and bowling – opened in February while Middlesbrough’s first e-sports arena The Wired Lobby is getting ready to open in the coming months.
They will be joined by a boutique cinema and more food and drink outlets.
