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From Dovecot to The Birdcage – meet the duo behind the success story

Business partners Andy McGlade and Carl Blake are local lads on a mission to bring high-end experiences at affordable prices.

Andy said: “We are Middlesbrough people born and bred and are very passionate about creating great places for people to come and eat, drink, relax and enjoy themselves.

“The town and of course, the world as a whole, have seen some difficult times in recent years after the effects of lockdown but we are starting to see buds of new life springing up now.

“New investment continues to come to the area and it is imperative that we, the people of Middlesbrough, encourage and support that.”

Situated on Linthorpe Road, Dovecot attracts a mixed age range with its decadent décor, classy drinks and resident DJ who plays a diverse mix of music from classic soulful tracks, to laid-back dance.

But its their live music events that have proved the biggest hit.

“Dovecot has become known for our excellent live music sets on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons – the atmosphere is electric.”

That, coupled with the venue offering one of the most popular bottomless brunches on Teesside, has given the duo a recipe for success.

Andy McGlade and Carl Blake - owners of Dovecot and new eatery The Birdcage

Andy McGlade and Carl Blake – owners of Dovecot and new eatery The Birdcage

“In recent years we have made a big push to extend what we offer throughout the whole day, not just on an evening, as we find many people prefer to come out during the day.

“We’ve got small plates priced at three for £15 to keep it affordable as well as our famous parmo selection, burgers and sizzling plates. Sunday lunches are a big hit too, they’re priced at just over a tenner. We want everyone to be able to come in and try our food, have a drink and just enjoy the friendly, buzzing atmosphere.

And the pair are grateful for the close-knit business community and the positive relationships they have with neighbouring eateries, working together to provide people with a good experience.

“There’s lots going on in the town centre whether you just want a coffee or a full breakfast to start your day from the likes of Baker Street Kitchen, or you want a light lunch with us or somewhere like Oodles just up the road. We’ve got a great community here in the town centre.”

The pair are now looking to extend Dovecot’s upstairs function room to hold larger events with a dedicated dance floor.

After previously setting their sights on Captain Cook Square for their next venture, the pair are now set to open The Birdcage on Bedford Street in the building previously known as Bedford St. Social.

The Birdcage will offer ‘next level’ seasonal cuisine, cocktails and wines and visitors can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with an impressive drinks menu, or make a full night of it and sample their ever-evolving food menu.

Andy said: “We can’t wait to open. We have an amazing, passionate chef who has worked in some of the best places across the North East and is now ready to introduce his mouth-watering dishes to his home town.

“We’ll be revealing more over the coming weeks but we have completely renovated the place from top to bottom with the latest designs and soft furnishings to give people something a little bit special when it comes to food and drinks.”

Dovecot is participating in Teesside Restaurant Week from Monday 26 February. Get any small plate as a starter, any sizzler or classic main, plus any dessert for just £20.