Thornaby chef to take charge at Michelin-starred restaurants

Scott John-Hodgson, from Thornaby, has been appointed executive head chef for House of Tides and Solstice in Newcastle, both led by chef-owner Kenny Atkinson.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Scott said: “House of Tides is where it all started for me; it’s where I found my love for this industry and Solstice has been a project I’ve given everything to since day one.

“To now have the opportunity to lead across both restaurants is a real privilege.”

The promotion follows his win as Restaurant Chef of the Year at the 2026 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.

Scott joined Kenny’s team in 2018, the same year House of Tides earned its Michelin star.

He rose through the ranks to become sous chef before moving to Solstice in 2022, which secured a Michelin star within just eight months of opening.

A former student of Stockton Sixth Form College, Scott will now lead both kitchens while continuing to work closely with Kenny.

House of Tides, Newcastle. (Image: House of Tides)

Scott originally studied sport at university with plans to become a teacher, before switching to professional cooking in his mid-twenties.

Since then, he has become one of the region’s leading chefs, known for developing seasonal, locally focused menus and appearing twice on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

Scott said: “Taking on this executive chef role is something I’m incredibly proud of and genuinely excited about.

“Kenny has given me so much over the years, and I want to honour that by continuing to push both restaurants forward, alongside him, for the teams, for our guests, and for the wider North East food scene.

“The Craft Guild of Chefs award was a wonderful recognition, but what drives me every day is the people around me and the food we put on the plate.”

Solstice, Newcastle. (Image: Solstice Newcastle)

In addition to leading the kitchens, he mentors junior staff and supports Newcastle College students through the restaurants’ training partnership.

Chef-patron Kenny said: “Scott has been an integral part of what we’ve built here since the very beginning and this promotion is thoroughly deserved.

“His Craft Guild of Chefs award is a testament to the remarkable level he’s operating at, and I have complete confidence in his ability to lead both kitchens with the same passion, precision and warmth that define everything we do.”