MasterChef finalist takes the reins at Sunderland pub kitchen

Dodds, who impressed top chef Michel Roux in the competition back in 2008, has devised a new menu which features pub classics with a twist at the newly refurbished train carriage themed venue.

Dishes on the new menu include a rabbit and black pudding pie and a Vietnamese jungle curry inspired by Dodds’ time travelling in Asia.

“The menu will be pub classics, but there’s quite an eclectic mix on there. It’s about doing simple things well.

“There’s a lot of mediocrity when it comes to food in the area and a lot of the pubs don’t cook their food from scratch, but I want to provide good, honest food using produce that’s on our doorstep,” said Dodds.

Michelin Guide​

Dodds has previously spent time as chef at Harbour Lights in South Shields, which became the first pub in Tyneside to be featured in the Michelin Guide.

After being closed for two years the Pullman reopened in December 2013 following a major refurbishment and features a grand ball room, 14 letting rooms, the Platform Five Bar and Eatery and a tea room set in three original Pullman carriages.