Restaurant in Burnham Market shortlisted for coveted award
Burnham Market restaurant Socius has been shortlisted for a coveted award which recognises top performers in the UK hospitality industry.
Run by owners Dan Lawrence and Natalie Stuhler, Socius has been named in the Best Newcomer category of the Catey's Awards.
Socius has been shortlisted alongside well-known restaurants such as Frog by Adam Handling, Lympstone Manor, Margot and Salt.
Natalie and Dan are thrilled with the achievement. Dan said: "We honestly can’t believe it, to even have our name in a list alongside those other amazing eateries is mind-blowing. I have to keep refreshing the web page to make sure it’s real."
And Natalie added: "We are both incredibly pleased. To be shortlisted in such a prestigious award is a phenomenal achievement."
During their first year of trading they have attracted a huge and loyal following. Reviews for the restaurant, which serves tapas style dishes, have been positive, and in its first six weeks it reached the number one spot on Tripadvisor for the Burnham Market area, which has a number of well-established eateries.
After four months of opening Socius climbed to number two out of 1,986 restaurants in the whole of Norfolk, an accolade which they have retained ever since.
Last summer they were included in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide and in November they were awarded two AA rosettes.
The restaurant is completely self-funded by Dan and Natalie, with no financial backing or investment from anyone other than themselves.
Said Natalie: “I think a lot of people walk into the restaurant and expect it to be owned by a larger chain or have a silent investor somewhere. People are really shocked when they realise it’s just me and Dan.”
The restaurant offers guests a modern, British version of tapas where food is served on small plates and designed to share. The restaurant itself is completely open plan with the kitchen on full view to diners.
The winners of the 2019 Catey’s awards, will be revealed at a ceremony on July 2 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
