North Lincolnshire restaurant Winteringham Fields says it is honoured to be recognised for its hard work, after retaining its Michelin star for 2025. Head chef James Nicklin and his team took to social media to announce the Winteringham venue has kept its coveted mark of culinary excellence. The post said: “We are absolutely buzzing to share news that Winteringham Fields has very proudly retained a Michelin Star for another year. “Always an honour to be recognised for the hard work put in by our fantastic team by the @michelinguide in this little village tucked away on the Humber. And thank you to our wonderful guests. “We look forward to seeing you soon! #michelinstar #northlincolnshire.” Winteringham Fields, a restaurant with rooms, is Lincolnshire’s only Michelin star restaurant and boasts five-star accommodation and four AA Rosettes. Followers were quick to respond to the good news, with one replying: “No surprise to me, I always recommend you for the best food for miles.” One of the comments said: “Congratulations! Best food I have ever eaten.” Another said: “WF is a truly special place…so well deserved. Many congratulations.” More people sent their messages of praise and good wishes, calling Winteringham Fields “brilliant” and “awesome”. Of the Silver Street restaurant, the Michelin Guide’s listing says: “This 16th-century former farmhouse sits in a sleepy village close to the Humber Estuary. It’s an area rich in agriculture, so it’s no surprise to find local ingredients to the fore on the surprise tasting menu, be they from regional producers, nearby farms or the long-standing owners’ smallholding where they rear animals and grow veg. “The chef’s personality shines through in the full-flavoured dishes, from nods to his Yorkshire roots to refined takes on his favourite foods, like chicken tacos and lamb kebab. Sumptuous bedrooms mix classic character with modern comforts.” Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

When the Oriental Express buffet restaurant opened to customers for the first time in 2006, I can vividly recall just how popular it was among diners in North East Lincolnshire. With one side of the buffet dedicated to Chinese food and the other serving up popular Indian curries and side dishes, the restaurant was a big hit among both locals and visitors to Cleethorpes alike looking for a quick and tasty bite to eat after a day out at the seaside. I ate at the Oriental Express quite often when it first opened – in fact, I may have even had one of my birthday parties there when I was young. But it had been so many years since visiting that, after a family session of swimming at the leisure centre a couple of Sundays ago, we decided to give it a try. We parked in the adjoining car park and headed in before ordering our drinks and paying at the counter. For a family-of-three with an under-five (who eat for free), the total cost came to about £32, which I thought was very reasonable. We chose a table near the buffet section and went up for our first plates. Looking around, I couldn’t help but notice that the interior of the restaurant is quite run-down compared to what it used to be. It wasn’t dirty – it just looked quite tired. I don’t think it’s changed at all since I last ate there, which was a good few years ago. All the typical options from a Chinese takeaway are available at the Oriental Express buffet restaurant (Image: Grimsby Live) To start with, I went for egg fried rice, chicken chow mein, sweet and sour chicken balls and vegetable spring rolls – all classics when it comes to Chinese food. It’s worth noting that the food options at the buffet didn’t seem to include Indian cuisine anymore, just Chinese. The food itself was tasty enough – some of it was a bit dry, but I enjoyed most of what I had. The second time I went up to the buffet I got some sort of chicken curry, noodles, beef in black bean sauce and sesame prawn toast. The toast and chicken balls were tasty, but I preferred what I had in my first serving. The food at the Oriental Express was tasty enough – but the inside of the restaurant could do with a bit of a spruce up, in my opinion (Image: Grimsby Live) The food at the Oriental Express isn’t the best Chinese food I’ve ever had, but it’s one of those where you get what you pay for. All the typical Chinese takeaway dishes that are popular amongst us Brits are available, and it’s the perfect place for those of us who – unlike me – can eat a lot without getting full. I think the inside of the restaurant could definitely do with a bit of a spruce up to get the place back to its former glory, but the food is decent enough.

Tickets for Waltham Toll Bar Academy’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Grimsby Auditorium have gone on sale. A cast of 200 will entertain public audiences in two evening shows on Tuesday, 15 July, and Wednesday, 16 July, at 7pm. Tickets, priced at £10 for an adult and £8 concession, are available from Grimsby Auditorium’s box office. Co-Director of Arts and Head of Drama Gemma Carter said tickets going on sale was a major milestone. “It makes it all very real for staff and the cast,” she said. “We hope this fantastic show will appeal to the wider community, as well as friends and families at the academy. “We promise a show with fabulous songs, wonderful dance routines and stand-out acting. We’re building on the fantastic performances and feedback we had from last year’s Matilda production to create something very special for our Auditorium shows.” Sell-out audiences gave rave reviews about last year’s production, held at Cleethorpes Parkway Cinema and Theatre. The Matilda cast revisited the performance on the first day back in September, when the academy held its first all-school assembly at the Auditorium on Cromwell Road. Rehearsals underway for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, performed by Waltham Toll Bar Academy “It was fantastic to put the show on a bigger stage and the children loved performing there,” said Mrs Carter. “The fact we’re going to put on Charlie at the Auditorium has made it even more exciting.” As well as the two public shows, there will be free matinee performances for primary school children on both afternoons. Weekly, after-school rehearsals started in September. Mrs Carter said: “They are going amazingly well. It’s such a big cast compared to last year. We’ve been doing a range of different scenes to get the overall sense of the musical. “We’re nearly at the interval so we are in a good place.” She and Teacher of Drama Ryan Bridges went to the Auditorium last month to talk through the arrangements. “The bigger stage gives the opportunity to have a very large, impressive set. The lighting and sound will be so much bigger and better. We’re going from a 300-seat venue to 1,200 so it’s a big jump. We hope many will come and support the children.” Waltham Toll Bar Academy students will perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Grimsby Auditorium in July William Rowe (12) landed the role of Charlie. “It felt amazing when I learned I’d got it,” he said. “I was Bruce in Matilda but there are a lot more lines to learn in this. I’m a fast learner but I keep going over them again and again. “I’m really enjoying it and always look forward to rehearsals. I attend Cats Kids drama class in Scartho. I’ve always enjoyed drama and want to be an actor.” The roles of Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde, two children who find a golden ticket, are played by Year 9s Sofia Reeves and Georgia North respectively. They, like William, were principals in last year’s production and have landed the roles they wanted this year. Sofia (14) said: “I love Veruca. She’s sassy and fun. It’s a really good part and the aim was to get another big role and get the experience.” The talented dancer attends The Dance Academy in Grimsby and, at the weekend, travels to The Royal Ballet School in Leeds. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rehearsals at Waltham Toll Bar Academy “We’re just so excited about putting the show on at the Auditorium. It’s a big stage.” Georgia (13) is a member of the Ashlie Cait Dance Academy and Blaze Youth Music Theatre locally. “Violet’s my favourite in the show and it was the role I was after,” she said. “The Auditorium will allow more people to see the show. “Appearing in Matilda at the Auditorium on the first day back was amazing. We’re really excited to be going back on that stage.” Principal Nigel Whittle was delighted the show could be put on at the Auditorium. “What an opportunity for our students,” he said. “We had wonderful feedback from the audiences at Matilda and when the children performed it at the Auditorium in September we knew it would be an unbelievable experience to host Charlie there. Some of the stars of Waltham Toll Bar’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory “I’m delighted, working with the Auditorium, we’ve been able to do so. I’d like to thank Mrs Carter and rest of the staff team for their huge ambition and hard work. “I have been absolutely in awe of the talent, commitment and dedication of the whole staff team and the brilliant student cast and I have loved dropping in on the weekly rehearsals. I am sure it will be an absolutely wonderful performance.” Tickets for the two public shows can be purchased from www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk or follow this link.

You have picked the best slice of pizza takeaways to be found in the northern Lincolnshire area – now it’s over to you again to crown the overall winner. Five contenders for the title have been identified by Grimsby Live followers who are fans of the classic Italian takeout food, pizza, and who voted in huge numbers. Whether you like your toppings simple or elaborate, the crusts thin and crispy, deep or stuffed, you obviously have your go-to pizza place to satisfy your cravings. With World Pizza Day falling on February 9, you might make that an excuse for indulging in a slice, or two, of your favourite fast-food feast. One of these shortlisted venues might already be on your radar; if not you might want to give one or more of them a try before picking your pizza winner. Only one can be crowed the champion pizza place, so choose carefully. We’ll count the votes and reveal the best pizza takeaway in northern Lincolnshire soon, so be sure to check back. La Gondola – Grimsby Dough Bros – Cleethorpes Pizza Parlour – Carr Lane Marco Polo – Cleethorpes Tredici – Grimsby

Queues of shoppers could be seen outside the Daniella Draper store in Grimsby town centre throughout Friday – and there’s a reason why. From Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2, a special and exclusive sample sale is happening at the Victoria Street store, with up to 70 percent off some of the jeweller’s most beloved items. Having first heard about the one-of-a-kind sale via an email sent out on Thursday evening – and being a fan of Daniella Draper’s pieces – I thought I’d head down there on Friday morning to try my luck. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I certainly didn’t think I’d have to join a queue. A bit unrealistic on my part, really, considering just how popular the business has become since Daniella – who hails from Grimsby – first opened her flagship store in Cleethorpes in 2014. After queuing for about ten minutes, and following lots of baffled looks from passers-by, I was let into the store by the friendly security guard at the door who was even giving out free Lindor chocolates to customers. VIP treatment indeed. Astrology bracelets and necklaces, crescent moon and starfish chain necklaces, gemstone rings and bangles with inspirational quotes on were just a few items available in the sample sale. Customers were given little wicker baskets to fill with any item(s) they wanted. There was lots on offer, and store attendants were replenishing the stock as and when it was needed. I didn’t end up getting anything myself, but I may just pop down again before the end of the weekend – and if you’re a fan of Daniella Draper’s pieces or want to bag yourself a good deal for Valentine’s Day, you should too. Take a look at some of the items available in the sample sale in the photo gallery below.

A date has been announced for the much anticipated return of the Humber Bridge Farmers’ Market. In October 2024, news broke that the missed farmers market would be making a comeback after five years. In an update issued this week, the first date has been confirmed. Taking to Facebook, a post on the Humber Bridge page says: A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!!! Last October we broke the wonderful news that the much-loved and much-missed Humber Bridge Farmers Market is coming back. Our friends at Little Hummingbird Events have put together an amazing selection of talented local artisans and makers. “We’re delighted to tell you that the first market will be held on Sunday, April 6th, starting at 9am and wrapping up at 2pm.” It comes after Little Hummingbird Events were at a site visit this week. They said: “We’ve been out and about in Hessle today after a site visit at the Humber Bridge and a little meet and greet in town – we met some lovely local businesses who have popped our posters in the window to help us spread the word. “The news that this popular Farmers Market is returning on 6 April has been so well received that we are really are chuffed to bits. The event will take place monthly on the first Sunday of the month from 9am – 2pm.” Little Hummingbird Events was established in early 2022 and has run markets in prime locations across the region, including Sheffield Cathedral, Temple Newsam, the Royal Armouries, as well as many others. Local businesses who wish to get involved can contact Little Hummingbird Evens at Nicola@littlehummingbirdevents.co.uk. Keep up to date with all the latest crime and court news from Grimsby and Scunthorpe with our free newsletter

Pop sensation Gareth Gates will soon perform a series of well-known hits made famous by the movies at Grimsby Auditorium – and says he’s looking forward to returning to the town he spent so much of his childhood in. Gareth, who has been a household name since first appearing on Pop Idol in 2002, will take to the stage in Grimsby on Thursday, March 27 for ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’, a captivating musical voyage that he has produced himself. Backed by a dynamic live band and West End singers and enhanced by mesmerizing visuals, the production promises an evening of emotion, nostalgia and excitement, with well-known hits from the likes of Titanic, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing and many more. Gareth stopped off in Grimsby this week to promote his upcoming nationwide tour, which aptly kicks off during Valentine’s week – and said he’s looking forward to performing to the Northern crowds. He told Grimsby Live: “I came to Grimsby lots as a kid – I’m from Bradford so it’s not too far away – and as a child I’d come on holiday to the East coast. It’s a great place. It’s so close to home, so it feels like home in a way – and I love Northern crowds. Gareth Gates at Grimsby Auditorium, where he will perform on March 27 (Image: Grimsby Live) “I’m producing the show so in the past, you perform, sing and go home, and it’s all done and dusted, but being the producer is a completely different beast. You have to look at which venues you’re going to, put together the cast and band and whole set list and organise the costumes. I’m purposely getting my hands dirty and doing a lot of it myself because I just want to learn the ropes and it’s great to have the learning experience with a great team around me.” Gareth came up with the idea for the show by looking back at his first ever single, Unchained Melody, which soared to the top of the charts when it was released in March 2002. “My first ever number one and biggest hit, Unchained Melody, was made famous by the movie Ghost, and it got us thinking, some of the world’s greatest love songs are from movies, and that synergy between movies and music is so powerful,” he said. ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’ event poster (Image: Andrew Plant/Imagine Photographic) “We wanted to put together a show with all those big love songs – songs from the likes of Titanic, Armageddon, A Star is Born, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, and many more – and it’s a real feel-good show with all those songs we know and love. “It’s a big tour and it’s been a headache to organise, but it’ll all be worth it. I’ll always perform because I enjoy it, but producing is definitely now what I want to focus on. There’s lots to learn, but I’m sure it will all pay off.” Gareth is also in the process of writing a brand new West End musical, Speechless, all about his experiences of living with a stammer. “The story is about a guy who can’t speak and is living with a stammer, which I do, and it’s great that I’ll be able to educate people even further as to what having a stammer is and how hard and debilitating it can be,” he said. “I had the initial idea about seven or eight years ago now, but it took for us to go into lockdown and to be in the room with a piano and actually having time to write it. I wrote eight songs and took it to a West End producer friend of mine and he commissioned it. We found an incredible scriptwriter, and we’re really proud of it.” Gareth is looking forward to performing in Grimsby in March (Image: Grimsby Live) Gareth and his team are currently in talks with West End theatres, with a view to kick off the musical in 2026. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that I can heighten the awareness of stammers,” he said. “I didn’t know anybody else who had a stammer when I was a child and before I went on Pop Idol, there was nobody in the public eye who I could relate to. It would’ve made it a lot easier for me. So whenever I can mention my speech – now in the form of a play and a musical – I think it’s going to help a lot of people and inspire people going through any form of affliction not to let it dictate who they are as a person.” You can find out more information about the Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Music Show and purchase your tickets by clicking here. Alternatively, you can book through the Grimsby Auditorium Box Office by calling 0300 300 0035.

An up-and-coming name in music and a close relation of two well-known brothers will be headlining an intimate show in Cleethorpes next month. Freddie Lineker, the son of Wayne Lineker and nephew of Gary Lineker, will be performing a DJ set at Blonde Toast on Sea View Street on Saturday, February 15. The house and techno DJ has been performing at venues across the country and abroad in the likes of Ibiza and Magaluf, and recently released the popular track ‘I Need to Know’. And in the midst of his global success, he will be stopping off in Cleethorpes to play an intimate and exclusive set at the venue to a small crowd. Half of the tickets are already sold out. A spokesperson for Blonde Toast told Grimsby Live: “January’s always a quiet month and we wanted to give people something exciting to look forward to. Freddie has become hot on the scene since last summer and he’s playing at venues all over the world, so the fact he’s playing a small, intimate gig in Cleethorpes is crazy. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter “We’re super excited, and it’s just the start of it because as soon as this is done, we’ll be announcing some more big names who are coming here to perform in 2025. Blonde Toast is looking really strong for events and bottomless brunches and we have a lot of events in the pipeline.” As well as Freddie Lineker headlining the show, local DJs Max Mouse and Lorenzo will also be performing. You can get your hands on tickets to the show by clicking here.

I’ve tried a lot of cuisines in my time and have always been a huge fan of Asian food – but one thing I’d not really had the chance to try much of (until recently) is Korean cuisine. Apart from one trip to a Korean restaurant abroad about ten years ago, where I had probably the most famous Korean dish, Bibimbap, I’d never really tried Korean food. So when I saw that a Korean takeaway had opened up right here in Grimsby, I was really excited to give it a go. Based in the kitchen at The Farmhouse in New Waltham, Mandu Guys launched late last year and serves up an array of Korean dishes, for delivery or collection only. Browsing the menu on Just Eat one chilly weeknight, we decided to go for the Meal Deal for Two. For £32.95 (not including delivery fee and service charge), we had the option to choose from mandu (Korean dumplings) or fried chicken, served with crispy chicken fried rice and sauces of our choice, along with a small portion of Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish (banchan) consisting of salted and fermented vegetables. The Beef Bulgogi Mandu (Image: Grimsby Live) As part of the meal deal, we had a choice of either the beef bulgogi mandu or fried chicken, and was planning to get one of each – but unfortunately the app said the fried chicken wasn’t available. With that we ordered the beef bulgogi mandu, which is essentially dumplings filled with thin and marinated slices of beef. I went for the sweet and spicy Hot Jang sauce, and my partner went for the Ssamjang Mayo. The food was served within the hour, so we popped a Netflix show on and dug in. Dipped in the spicy sauces, the mandu (Korean dumplings) were very enjoyable – the dumplings were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the filling was unique to anything I’d ever had before. I think I probably would’ve preferred the chicken filling, because the beef just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but this option wasn’t available to select on the app. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter The fried rice was garnished with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions and had that lovely tang of soy sauce flavour, without being too overpowering. The crispy fried chicken served alongside it was probably my favourite aspect of the meal, and was just heavenly when combined with the kick of the spicy sauces. For anyone who’s a fan of Asian cuisine, I’d definitely recommend Mandu Guys just to try something a bit different. It wasn’t my favourite takeaway I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t order the beef bulgogi again as I just found the texture and flavour a little odd – but that aside, the other elements of the dish were tasty.

There’s nothing better than wrapping up warm for a brisk walk in the countryside and stopping for a mug of the good stuff and something delicious to eat. Last weekend, after reading the hundreds of positive reviews online, a friend and I decided to try Café Natura in Scunthorpe, also known as Bottesford Beck Visitors’ Centre. Situated on Messingham Road, the café is on the edge of the pretty woodland where the Beck is, and provides the perfect spot for stopping off for a bite to eat before or after a weekend walk with loved ones. We arrived late morning on Sunday, and wasn’t surprised to see that the place was absolutely packed – but there was luckily one table for two with a view available in the corner. There wasn’t a menu on the table, so I took a photo of the board behind the counter to peruse. Everything on there sounded absolutely delicious, from the traditional English breakfast options and more modern takes like Avocado on Sourdough to the wide range of hot and cold deli sandwiches with a whole host of filling options. Café Natura is situated in an idyllic spot at Bottesford Beck (Image: Scunthorpe Live) I eventually decided on the Goats Cheese hot deli sandwich (£11.45), which features a yummy combination of goats cheese, beetroot, red onions, walnuts, rocket and a drizzle of local honey on fresh focaccia bread, served alongside a side salad, a pot of homemade coleslaw and crisps. My friend went for the Caprese hot deli sandwich (£10.45), which is described on the menu as sliced mozzarella, beef tomatoes, vegan pesto and rocket on fresh focaccia bread, also served alongside a side salad, a pot of coleslaw and crisps. My Goats Cheese deli sandwich (Image: Scunthorpe Live) To drink, I ordered a large latte and he ordered a tea. The café was so busy that I did have to go up after about ten minutes and ask if the drinks would be arriving soon, and they were brought out pretty much straight away after that. The latte was perfectly creamy and just right – not too bitter and not too weak. I tend to find that the coffee ground from beans at restaurants and cafés is always a bit too strong for me – but not in this case. The food was served after about 20 minutes or so, and we dug in. I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich – the combination of goats cheese and beetroot is always a winning one, and the portion sizes were really generous, so you do get some bang for your buck. My lemon crumble tart (below) was delicious (Image: Scunthorpe Live) But even though we were full, we still somehow had enough room to try one of the sweet treats in the cabinet at the counter. I can’t remember the exact names of what we had, but I had the lemon crumble tart (£4.45) and my friend went for the cherry bakewell slice (£4.75). I can’t fault mine at all – the lemon flavour was strong and tangy and the crumbly texture was the perfect contrast with the sweet lemon sauce drizzled over the top. I’ll definitely visit Café Natura again – the food was top notch, the atmosphere was warm and cosy and the location was pretty and idyllic. It’s the perfect stop-off during a brisk winter walk, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular amongst locals.