Norse and Baltzersen’s in Observer Food Monthly Awards

Paul Rawlinson pouring a coffee to go with some Scandanavian Tosca cake at Baltzersens cafe which becomes Norse at nighttime.

The two Harrogate businesses owned by Paul Rawlinson have been commended in the ‘Best Cheap Eats’ and ‘Best Restaurant’ categories respectively.

Now in their 12th year, the OFM Awards recognise the best in British food and drink and showcase local heroes nationwide.

Candidates for the Best Restaurant award were nominated by the general public with some of the final judging completed by a panel of judges including chefs, restaurateurs and Guardian group writers such as Jay Rayner, Nigel Slater and Nigella Lawson.

This latest achievement follows Norse’s recent inclusion in both the Good Food Guide 2016 and the Michelin guide. Executive chef Murray Wilson was also named Chef of the Year at the Harrogate Hospitality Awards earlier this year.

Located within Baltzersen’s, a café offering traditional Scandinavian-inspired dishes by day, Norse only opens in the evenings, serving an innovative, contemporary menu inspired by the Nordic heritage of owner Paul Rawlinson.

Murray Wilson is a former Masterchef ‘The Professionals’ finalist and previously worked at Claridges, as well as the Michelin-starred ‘The Yorke Arms’ at Ramsgill before Norse.

His cooking uses the freshest in-season local produce given a unique Scandi twist. Murray has previously featured as ‘One to Watch’ in Waitrose Kitchen magazine.

Paul Rawlinson said: “It’s an honour to be commended in these awards and I’m especially pleased that both sides of the business enjoyed success.

“We have some really talented people working with us and doing a great job and recognition like this helps to make it worthwhile.”