Focus Dinner with Andy Hook, Hooked-on Group

Andy Hook is one of the North East’s most respected hospitality entrepreneurs. Originally from Cambridge, Andy trained as an engineer before moving to the North East to take up a manufacturing leadership role in South Shields.

That move, which reconnected him with his family roots in the region, would ultimately shape his future in hospitality.

Realising that engineering and manufacturing were not his long-term love, Andy shifted careers and leapt into hospitality in 1999 after completing a Diploma in Management Studies at the London Business School. After opening the acclaimed Sidney’s in Tynemouth, he went on to create the multi-award-winning Blackfriars, transforming a 13th-century friary in the medieval heart of Newcastle into one of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations.

Andy has since expanded his portfolio to include Hinnies in Whitley Bay and the newly refurbished Dobson & Parnell on Newcastle’s Quayside. Under his guidance, Blackfriars has expanded to encompass a cookery school, brewery, tasting rooms, and event spaces.

Co-founder of the Hooked-On Group with his wife, Sam, Andy combines creative vision and hands-on commercial leadership, with consultancy for other hospitality businesses. Across all ventures, his ethos is inspired by a passion for exceptional, freshly cooked food, warm service, relaxed informal settings, and a strong sense of place, underpinned by a commitment to environmental responsibility and positive community impact. Work that has been recognised nationally, including multiple Taste of England honours at the UK Tourism Awards.

This is a rare chance to join us for an evening with a founder who has built enduring hospitality businesses rooted in craft, culture, and community. It is a dinner guaranteed to leave you motivated, inspired and energised, alongside enjoying some truly great food.

The Small Print
This event is exclusively for entrepreneurial members of the Forum and costs £90 +VAT for a three-course meal, payable in advance.

By registering to attend this dinner you agree that your place is non-transferrable. We are unable to reimburse this cost if cancellations are received after 12noon on Wednesday 10th June.