Trevor Davis

Mr Trevor Davis is a Durham entrepreneur who is founder of some the city’s most successful bars and eateries. Born and bred in Sandbanks, Poole, to a fishing family, he was raised around food and business.

“One of the first things I ate was an oyster. Grandma taught me how to cook as we’d sell fresh fish to the markets and keep the scraps to cook and eat ourselves.”

Mr Davis – who is known as ‘Lord Trev’ to many after his partner bought him a Lordship title – went on to classically train as a chef and work in some of the UK’s top hotels. He’s also served up dishes fit for royalty having worked in Saudi Arabia for the former King Faisal and the King’s Princes, where he ran the catering operation at many of the palaces.

He moved to Durham 14 years after falling in love with the beauty of the city and has since launched several businesses here with his son, Ben, including the quirky Old Toms Gin Bar, at The Riverwalk development and the North East’s smallest gin bar Tin of Sardines, on Elvet Bridge – which has sister venues in Roker, Sunderland and Poole.

Together with his family, he also owns The Cheese and Pickle Co – a catering company for corporate and private celebrations and events and he also manages The Food Pit Durham, offering street food and craft beer to those that visit.

“Durham just gets you, with its cobbled streets, beautiful views, charm, and character. It’s such a wonderful city.

“I joined the BID as, being completely honest, I did not understand how it worked or what it did. I joined out of curiosity, but the team and board members all aim to shine a light on Durham, the businesses here, the people – and make it an inspirational place to visit.”