A year later and half a world away, Paul aims for the stars

CHEF'S CREATION HEMISPHERE ALREADY BEST RESTAURANT FINALIST

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

THIS time last year, Hemisphere hadn't opened its doors. In fact, it was last July when chef Paul Thacker first got the keys to the property that would be transformed into West Bridgford’s unique Australasian restaurant serving beautifully presented dishes with big, bold flavours.

What followed can only be described as a whirlwind. Three months of extensive building work turned the empty unit above Iceland, previously the curry house Shalimar, into a swish modern restaurant with an open kitchen.

Paul did most of the work himself, pouring his heart and soul into the refurbishment and losing more than 3st in the process.

Since it opened in October, diners have been wowed by the food and service, leading to Hemisphere receiving scores of nominations in our Notts Bites food and drink awards. In the space of nine months, the restaurant has made the shortlist in the final for best restaurant.

Paul, who runs the restaurant with wife Rachel, said: “We are absolutely blown away to be nominated for the award — especially when we think back just 12 months ago. That's when I got the keys to what had always been a lifelong dream: opening my own restaurant.