New kid on the block

Jack Hunter is the latest to open a restaurant at the thriving Navigation Point in Hartlepool.

And aged just 20, he’s the youngest entrepreneur to launch another exciting new eaterie at Hartlepool’s bustling entertainment quarter.

After securing a £30,000 loan – and with a £20,000 helping hand from his dad, Kevin – he opened Hunter’s Restaurant in February after a month-long refurbishment.

Hartlepool-born Hunter, who previously worked as a chef at the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland as well as other local restaurants, said: “I’ve always wanted my own place, since I was young, and after returning home from Gleneagles I just decided I didn’t want to work for other people.

“There was a lot of work to do before I could even get the keys. I put a business plan together thanks to help from various friends and family to convince the bank, and thankfully we did.

“A few years ago I wouldn’t have even considered the Marina, but now it’s booming. Navigation Point has been completely revamped, the full strip is just about full and the place is buzzing.”

Hunter’s offers a range of modern British and a la carte food, all freshly-cooked on site, which includes homemade pastas and breads – they even churn their own butter and make their own ice cream!

“I think you see a lot of the same menus, so it’s nice to bring something a bit different,” added Hunter.

“It is a big deal for me, there’s a lot of responsibility, and I couldn’t have done it without my dad. But I wouldn’t have taken the plunge if I didn’t think it would work.”

• For more details about the vacant units at Navigation Point or to arrange a viewing, contact Joe Darragh at Mandale on 07973 908599 or email joe@mandale.com.