All the way to 11 with Number 11, Market Place
When Tom Green opened the doors to Number 11 Market Place in November last year he simply wanted to bring a unique dining experience to Whitehaven.
In doing so he created a cosy space, relaxed atmosphere and personal service that’s impressed diners.
Number 11 is tucked away in the marketplace and the Georgian façade gives little clue of what lies inside. Stepping through the door of the former chemist unveils inviting benches and tables tucked neatly away that beckons patrons to settle in and relax.
”I’ve been in this industry since I was a teenager,” said Tom. “I’ve always wanted to run a place of my own so when this building became available, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Tom relied on his years of experience to design the restaurant and refurbish the premises to his specifications: “It’s not a big space but we were determined to create an intimate dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere and I’m delighted with the result.”
Number 11 is minimal and uncluttered. Careful consideration has been given to the layout which means the tables aren’t crammed together and with the focus on fewer customers, the efficient and personal service comes into its own.
Tom has lived in the area for eleven years but said the inspiration for number 11 came from his hometown of Chester: “I met my wife Debbie at university and she wanted to move back home when we finished and I just fell in love with the area, the people and the town.
So when we decided to start up a restaurant I wanted to bring something a bit different to the area. There are a lot of boutique restaurants in Chester and that fits perfectly for Whitehaven.
I hired my chef, Darren, about six months before we opened, reputation for food is everything up here so we spent a long time planning a menu that brings something unique.”
Number 11 offers impressive dishes with an American and Mexican twist. There’s an authentic Texan smokehouse section of the menu which is sourced from Pappy’s Smokehouse in Kendal. The Tex Mex dishes continue with a great range of homemade burgers, burritos and tacos.
A meal out should be for everybody and Tom has ensured there is a vast range of dishes for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free options too.
“It’s food that I really enjoy,” said Tom. “We offer a Tex Mex twist on classic dishes too and we really want to produce food everyone will like.
Tom’s always wanted his own place but the real impetus came when his son was born in 2016: “Zach has grown up through the whole process of planning, organising and opening. The idea came about when he was born because I wanted to challenge myself to do something I really enjoy. Kids make you look at life a different way so I’m delighted it’s been a positive year.”
It’s been an encouraging twelve months and in an exciting development Tom is renovating the space next door as a bar with a focus on cocktails:
“It will be a place for people to gather before their meal and then relax after they have finished. I’d love to say it will be open before Christmas but it’s an old building and it’s hard to put a time on it. We delayed opening the restaurant for three months because things had to be just right and the same goes with the cocktail bar, it’s still a work in progress.”
He also can’t thank his staff enough, many have been with him from day one:
“This wouldn’t have come together without my team which includes my mother in law, a few good friends and new members of staff who have been fantastic. They’ve helped me so much on this journey and it wouldn’t have worked without them.”
The menu changes seasonally and Tom is also very keen to source local drink products like Bedrock gin, Ennerdale Brewery ales and more wherever he can.
Number 11 is open for lunches and dinners, Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 am until 11 pm.
Cumbria is filled with hundreds of fabulous restaurants who are now welcoming customers back, read on for more great meals.
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Absolutely love the place and Tom you are amazing keep up the great work. We can’t wait for number 12 to open too.
Only been in a few times But, well worth a visit
You are made welcome, fed well & are well looked after. In our opinion the price we paid for the experience we had was very good it does not break the bank great value for money
My wife & I love the place.
We will be back.
But the next time we will book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Thanks again & well done Tom & the rest of “team 11”.