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Diners flock to award-winning Louth restaurant named one of UK's best - for a second year running

The Auction House is run by Gareth Bartram, star of two series of BBC's Great British Menu, and his wife Lucy

[Gareth and Lucy Bartram outside The Auction House with daughters Penny, Ivy and Frances]

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Gareth and Lucy Bartram outside The Auction House with daughters Penny, Ivy and Frances(Image: The Auction House)

Foodie aficionados have been clamouring for dinner dates at an award-winning Louth restaurant after it was singled out as one of the UKs best - for a second year running. The Auction House in Louths Cornmarket has been serving up spectacular dishes, crafted by a small team of five led by owners, husband and wife team, Gareth and Lucy Bartram, for less than two years.

It may not have been open long, but it has already garnered high praise. The restaurant has become the only venue in the county to claim a spot on the Good Food Guides 100 best Local Restaurants - the second time it has made the list since opening.

The coveted list is compiled following public nominations, which are followed by rigorous evaluations from anonymous professional inspectors. Final selections and category winners are then selected by the Good Food Guides editors.

Having made the rankings at number 93, owner Gareth said he had people calling in immediately after the list was announced, providing a brilliant boost for the business. Grimsby born-Gareth is no stranger to the limelight, having impressed his peers in two series of the Great British Menu, and he now takes pride in letting his dishes shine in the spotlight.

He and his wife Lucy took over The Auction house in early 2024, after spending nine years at Michelin-starred restaurant. They reopened The Auction House after its previous owners announced that the cost of energy, rising food and drink prices and health issues had forced the team to call time on the venture after four years of trading.

[The amazing desserts served at The Auction House include this dark chocolate delice with banana, caramel and miso.]

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The amazing desserts served at The Auction House include this dark chocolate delice with banana, caramel and miso.(Image: The Auction House)

Since 2024 and under the new ownership, with a firm focus on serving delicious dishes made from locally sourced produce, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength.

Gareth, who has three daughters, Ivy, 11, Frances, seven, and Penny, four, said: Were over the moon with the fact that were in it and weve been in two years running. Its just fantastic. Its great for the team, its great for the area, its great for the restaurant.

I think what really stands out from us is that we are a neighbourhood local restaurant. Were very open and were welcoming with open arms. Were very casual, easygoing but the food and the service that we offer is next level. So I think those two things going together is fantastic.

To be able to showcase local produce, local producers, is obviously just another string to our bow. My wife and I are very hands-on with the restaurant as well, as you can imagine its needed in this current climate. So its quite a small team, but, a very well trained and passionate team. Everyone is fully behind us and just wants the restaurant to succeed.

The hospitality sector has suffered greatly since Covid times, with rocketing energy and food prices impacting business, making it hard for many to trade, so Gareth says making the Good Food Guides list can help to boost business.

He said: These are tricky times, especially for hospitality. Everyones finding it more and more expensive just to live through the cost of living crisis. So, for peoples money to tighten and if they choose to come and spend their money with us, we are very, very grateful for that.

All we can do is just keep going, keep serving the best food we can, with the best service. And were just so grateful to all of our guests, returning and new, who keep choosing us to come and dine.

[BBQ'd Red Mullet with fennel salad, bouillabaisse sauce and saffron rouille, which is served at The Auction House]

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BBQ'd Red Mullet with fennel salad, bouillabaisse sauce and saffron rouille, which is served at The Auction House(Image: The Auction House)

Weve been receiving emails, saying congratulations from regular guests, and people have popped in saying that they have seen the Good Food Guide list, and want to come have a look around and then hopefully book a table in the future. Being on such a prestigious list is definitely helping.

For a restaurant thats only been going for a couple of years, the accolades are coming, which is fantastic. But to me, whats more important is that my guests come and enjoy their experience and keep wanting to come back.

The award-winning restaurant is open Wednesdays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner, offering a range of snacks, small plates and large plates and afters on its menu. It is also open for breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays.

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