News: New Indian restaurant opening in Rotherham

A new Indian restaurant has arrived in Rotherham and is ready to set tastebuds alight.

Experienced entrepreneur brothers, Mamun and Masum Ali (pictured), whose Goa Spice franchise has restaurants established across South and West Yorkshire, have set up their latest creative dining endeavour in Thurcroft.

Mamun said: “We are very excited to be expanding our reach into a great new location in Thurcroft. Goan cuisine consists of regional foods of the Goan state, which is located along India’s west coast on the shore of the Arabian Sea. It is sure to spice things up in Thurcroft.”

Purchased by local Entrepreneur and CEO of Gala Tent, Jason Mace, in 2013, the Double Barrel has long served the area as a steakhouse bar and restaurant. The venue, which is also licenced, will serve Indian lager on draught, plus a range of additional bottled refreshments and a selection of wines from around the world.

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Masum added: “We will be investing over £60,000 in new specialist kitchen equipment, mood lighting and authentic décor, everything down to the tablecloths are really high end as we want to compliment the building as much as possible. The menu is extensive, and we believe we have created affordable luxury for the local community to enjoy.”

“Our chefs have a real passion for creating quality Goan spicy food using fresh ingredients that will spice up you’re evening. To add further value, we will be offering a collection and delivery service so you can enjoy Goan cuisine in the comfort of your own home.

Mace added: "I have worked with Mamun and Masum previously with their Mexborough outlet within the Empress Building, which has been a phenomenal success due to the classic location and of course the amazing food they create.

"The Double Barrel will prove to be a much larger scale operation, as it is a huge venue which seats around 140 inside, and there’s space outside for more than 70 additional seats, so any COVID 19 retractions should not hold this restaurant back. The venue genuinely is one of a kind and specialises in large party bookings and exclusive room hire-out."

The Double Barrel was built in 1971 and since then has been a well patronised venue and large part of the community. The new themed Goa Indian restaurant and takeaways will certainly spice things thing up for locals and wider-field visitors alike.

A grand opening is scheduled for June 2021.

Goa Spice Facebook page

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News: Wine bar paired with Rotherham steakhouse

Glasses were raised as a new wine bar was officially opened alongside the recently re-opened Double Barrel Steakhouse in Rotherham.

Croft Wine Bar at Thurcroft was officially opened by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley and guests which included former premiership chairman Sir Dave Richards and champion racing driver Christian England, whose team has since gone on to win the European Le Mans LMP3 race series.

Guests were treated to an exclusive wine tasting hosted by Kieron Atkinson, an ex-army captain who has been responsible for leading the resurgence in English wine production.

The new wine bar is the first in South Yorkshire to specialise in English produced wines and brought together a range of ten varieties which have been carefully developed by Kieron using hand-picked grapes produced in his vineyards at Renishaw Hall, Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire and Welcombe Hills, Warwickshire.

During the opening evening, visitors to Croft Wine Bar were given a chance to see United Autosports Ligier LMP3 Le Mans racing car driven to victory on some of Europe's top circuits.

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Since May, Rotherham-based Jason Mace, the founder of Gala Tent, has invested more than £100,000 into the Double Barrel which has included an extensive refurbishment of its steakhouse restaurant and the introduction of a new coffee shop in a previously unused area of the building. Twenty jobs have been created in Thurcroft as a result of the investment.

Jason Mace, Owner of the Croft Wine Bar, said: "When people think of fine wines they instantly cast their minds to those produced on the continent, but few people are aware of the many different choices and varieties available from English producers. In recent years there has been a lot of interest in English wines which are admired by wine connoisseurs across the world for their delicate and subtle flavours. We wanted to give wine lovers in Rotherham a chance to experience the unique tastes on their doorstep.

"I first met Kieron a few months ago and I was immediately impressed by his passion and knowledge of English wine production. After sampling his selection, I had no hesitation in supporting his work and bringing his selection of award-winning wines to Rotherham for the first time.

"There are a wide selection of wines and champagnes available at Croft Wine Bar, from still and sparkling to reds and rosés. For those who prefer brews to bottles we also offer a selection of craft bottled beers and an extensive cocktail menu, so there is definitely something for everyone."

Croft Wine Bar website

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News: Rotherham steakhouse revamp is well done

The Double Barrel Steakhouse has reopened in Rotherham following the completion of an extensive refurbishment and a change in management.

Having temporarily closed its doors earlier in the year, local entrepreneur Jason Mace has invested significantly in upgrading the restaurant's kitchen and restaurant facilities. Inside, visitors will be able to choose from one of two dining areas with the option of visiting a stylish champagne bar, feature a comprehensive selection of wines from around the world, or take a trip back to the Wild West with a traditional ranch-styled room.

After previous operators went into liquidation, the Thurcroft restaurant is now managed by Sammie Williams who described it as a "once in a lifetime opportunity". She is joined by partner Ashley Elsworth who has been developing a new menu which includes home-cooked daily specials, Sunday lunches and the return of its monster 72oz steak challenge; but Sammie believes the change in direction will help to establish the Double Barrel at the heart of the local community.

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Sammie Williams, manager of the Double Barrel (pictured with partner Ashley), said: "The Double Barrel has always been a special place for me. My mum worked there many years ago and I followed in her footsteps, working as a deputy manager when it first re-opened in 2013. It's a place which holds a lot of special memories but we've got lots of new ideas for future and I feel honoured to be a part of its next chapter.

"I left the Double Barrel to work at Gala Tent and thought my days working behind the bar were behind me, but when Jason approached me and asked whether I'd like to manage the restaurant, it was like a dream come true.

"We want to create a family-friendly atmosphere which can be enjoyed by anyone, from private functions and parties, to simply meeting friends for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake."

The refurbishment and investment made by Jason Mace signals a new direction for the Double Barrel, which he rescued from closure in 2013. Working alongside sister Lisa, the duo have undertaken a strategic review of the business with the temporary closure being used to provide staff with additional training.

Jason Mace, managing director at Gala Tent and owner of the Double Barrel, said: "Both Sammie and Ashley know the Double Barrel well, and are no strangers to the venue. They've get the drive, determination and genuine passion needed to make the restaurant a place which can be enjoyed by all.

"I've always thought of the Double Barrel as a sleeping giant that's packed with potential and I'm confident that under Sammie's leadership the popular venue will once again establish itself at the beating heart of the local community."

Double Barrel website

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News: Double Barrel steakhouse opens in Rotherham

The Mayor of Rotherham Cllr John Foden and the Mayoress and Kevin Barron MP performed the official opening ceremony last week for the Real Steakhouse & Grill at the Double Barrel in Thurcroft, Rotherham.

14 new jobs have been created at the Double Barrel steakhouse, including chefs, waiters/waitresses, bar tenders, cleaners and gardeners at the new steakhouse, which can seat 80 people.

The former pub has been transformed over the last three months, after it was acquired by Jason Mace, managing director of marquee and gazebo company Gala Tent, based in the Dearne Valley, who has invested around £80k in refurbishing it. Craig Savage, former manager of the Cross Keys pub and steakhouse on Hoyland Common in Barnsley recently became the leaseholder and Jason and Craig have exciting plans to turn it into South Yorkshire's premier steakhouse.

Since he acquired it, Jason has invested in the refurbishment, with new furnishings, a brand new kitchen, rewiring, new windows, flooring, toilet facilities, re-plastering and decorating.

Jason Mace, owner of the Double Barrel steakhouse (pictured, third from the right), said: "We've had amazing support from local residents, everyone is backing us to make this a huge success and it is fantastic to be able to create new jobs in the area.

"The launch day was a huge success and we have taken dozens of bookings for parties, anniversaries and Christmas meals already! This is just the start of what we hope will become a winning formula for a number of new steakhouses we will open, offering a superb dining experience at an affordable price."

The Mayor Cllr John Foden, added: "I wish Jason, Craig and all the staff a very successful future in their exciting new venture."

As well as a range of steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes, the Real Steakhouse & Grill is offering a totally unique challenge for anyone who can eat a whole 72 oz steak, they get their meal free. They are also offer guests the chance to cook their own steak just how they like it on their table on top of hot rock stones.

Real Steakhouse website

Images: Real Steakhouse & Grill

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News: Young web designer given a taste of industry

Jack Biggs, a 12 year old pupil at Netherwood ALC in Barnsley has proven what a difference young people on work experience can make to a business, with the creation of a brand new website for a Manvers-based company.

Jack approached marquee and gazebo manufacturer Gala Tent, as he was interested in IT and website design and wanted some commercial experience during the summer holidays. Jason Mace, managing director, had just bought the Double Barrel Steakhouse in Thurcroft, Rotherham, so set Jack on with the job of creating a new website for the new venture.

Jason gave Jack a brief on what he wanted for the website design and single-handedly came up with the concept for the Texan-themed website, which was perfect for the steakhouse.

Jason Mace was very impressed with Jack's work, he said: "Jack took the challenge of designing the website head-on and built it completely from scratch himself. I'm a big believer in giving young people a chance as when they are given an opportunity to work on a real life project, they can really shine. Jack has done a fantastic job creating our new website for the steak-house and this should give him a great start to his portfolio and is something he can be proud of."

The former Double Barrel public house is currently going through an £80,000 renovation with plans for the steakhouse to open towards the end of October.

Craig Savage, formerly of the Cross Keys pub and steakhouse at Hoyland in Barnsley, will run the new venture after recently signing a ten year lease.

Jason Mace said: "Craig has over ten years' experience in running steakhouses and pubs and it made sense to bring in a manager like him who really knows this business inside out. We are really excited about the steakhouse opening at the end of October, there will be nowhere like this in South Yorkshire."

Craig Savage, director of the Double Barrel Steakhouse & Grill, added: "We are really pulling out all the stops with the Double Barrel Steakhouse. This will be the only restaurant in South Yorkshire where you can eat a 72 oz steak! We're also giving diners the chance to cook their own steak at their table exactly how they like it, which people are really looking forward to!"

Double Barrel Steakhouse & Grill website

Images: Gala Tent

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