ABOUT US
Situated on the beautiful Hartlepool Marina
A welcome addition to the North East restaurant scene, Portals Place opened its doors on November 29th 2014. Located in the prime location of Hartlepool Marina, the Mediterranean inspired restaurant offers a refreshing alternative to local diners.
Following the announcement of the closure of Krimo’s due to retirement, local Chef Tony Ampleford understood there was a gap in the market for a new, contemporary restaurant in the area, and also the chance to realise a lifelong dream.
With over ten years’ experience working as a Head Chef, with the last 6 years at local restaurant Maximo’s in Castle Eden, Tony has both the industry knowledge and customer insight to deliver a restaurant experience that will make diners want to return, again and again.
“The reputation and legacy of Krimo’s is well known throughout the North East and with Portals Place we plan to build on this, offering customers an excellent dining experience and maintaining the high standard of quality and service that Krimo’s is famous for.” Says Head Chef Tony Ampleford.
"Absolutely amazing food, friendly staff, fantastic service, lovely atmosphere; unbelievable value for money!"
Visitors and locals alike will recognise the strong Mediterranean influence throughout the new menu, which caters to a myriad of tastes. From sumptuous steaks and fresh seafood to delicious pastas and vegetarian options, the menu uses only the freshest, locally sourced produce, creating dishes for everyone. Dishes to look forward to include Oven Baked Chicken stuffed with brie, Parma ham, thyme, leek and cream, and Pan Fried Sea Bass Fillets served with wilted spinach and creamy curried mussels.
"Lovely views over the Marina; the staff are friendly and helpful; the food is excellent and service is first class. What more could you ask?"
In addition to the restaurant, Portals Place also boasts a newly refurbished lounge bar offering fine wines, cocktails and premium spirits. Adjacent to the restaurant the lounge bar will offer a warm and relaxing environment for customers to enjoy pre or post dinner drinks. To complete the experience acoustic live music can also be enjoyed on weekends and holidays. From early 2015 the lounge bar will open for coffees and light lunches during the day.
With a complete refurbishment planned within the first year, additional changes to the restaurant will include the opening of a decking area for customers to enjoy drinks and light bites overlooking the beautiful marina views in the warmer months.
OUR CHEFS
TONY AMPLEFORD
OWNER
Tony is a local guy and has been a chef in the Hartlepool area for 14 years. His passion for cooking came from his dad who was a chef working in the top hotels in London – this gave Tony the inspiration to begin a working life in the restaurant business.
MAJID CHEURFI
CHEF
Majid is a vastly experienced chef and was born in Algiers, Algeria, coming to the UK in 1971 to initially study english. Whilst studying he worked in hotels and an Italian restaurant where he began his passion for cooking and went on to own the business.
JIMMY BAILEY
CHEF
Jimmy has been in Hartlepool for 10 years but was born in Dun Sur Ruron, a town in the centre of France where he trained at catering college for 3 years. When he completed his chef training Jimmy worked at a hotel in Poligny near the Swiss border.
