Starting a restaurant at the very beginning of the recession was not one of our brightest ideas. Hindsight is a great predictor of how things work. During that time we have gone from strength to strength. In the first year our proudest moment was winning Best Newcomer of the Year in the Taste of Staffordshire Awards. In 2009 we were listed as a UKTV Food Hero in 2009. The crowning glory was a coveted listing in the Good Food Guide in 2010, only four places in Staffordshire made it.

It’s not been all awards and glory, there have been some real challenges from sacking dishonest staff to vandalism, theft and leaking ceilings. Each of these was dealt with and we have progressed onwards and upwards. A real inspiration for us came at the beginning of 2009 when Daniel Pilkington replaced our outgoing head chef. Dan has taken each new menu to higher standards. Through his knowledge of some great local suppliers and produce, each dish is continuously perfected. Our real key to growing during these difficult times has been in keeping an eye on quality and trying constantly, to improve on what we have done before.

Who knows what the rest of 2010 will bring, but we are looking forward to our 3rd birthday and many beyond that. A big thank you to some great locals who dine with us, supply us and work as a team with us.

Our first post comes on the day when Britain gets surprised by the deepest snow for over 18 years. So with an expected 6 inches to 1 foot of weather expected over night, I’m in a nice warm hotel room in the west country with a block of Northern Irish Brie and some English crackers working out where to go and get some hot food next.

A big part of the philosophy of 99 Station Street is looking for the best produce available in the season when it’s at it’s peak of freshness and then creating great dishes. This cannot be done without a selection of local suppliers who have become “Food Heroes” to us.  With this blog, we will introduce you to our supplies, our favourite produce, news, events and the occassional rant.  There will also be feedback for questions which you send in.