Ryan's hoping to to see success on the awards menu

A restaurant which brings the fiery flavours of Trinidad & Tobago to the banks of the Wear has been recognised at a national awards.

- by Katy Wheeler

The Calabash Tree has just marked its first year of business at Sheepfolds Stables, but operated as a popup and trailer long before that.

Firefighter-turned-chef Ryan McVay from Washington established the business as a passion project, cooking the food of his family's heritage.

Ryan grew up enjoying the rich and varied flavours of the Caribbean islands where his mum was born.