Meet Tarek Thoma, our Executive Chef and owner of Bazaar. Tarek is a distinguished British-Egyptian restaurateur, chef and visionary behind Bazaar, a unique dining establishment which opened in July 2024. Bazaar is celebrated for its immersive dining experience, featuring one of Europe’s largest copper pizza ovens, an open kitchen, and a menu that fuses modern culinary techniques with traditional methods, offering flavors from around the world .​

Before launching Bazaar, Tarek founded The Oven Restaurant (also in Middlesbrough), has garnered a loyal following for its eclectic menu influenced by his Egyptian heritage and extensive culinary career. Tarek moved away from the Oven to focus on Bazaar.

His impressive résumé includes experience in Michelin-starred kitchens such as L’Escargot in London and Chapter One in Kent. Notably, he cooked for then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President George Bush during their visit to the Dun Cow in Sedgefield in 2003 .​

In recognition of his community service during the COVID-19 pandemic—where he and his team provided meals to vulnerable individuals and frontline workers—Thoma was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2021 .​

At Bazaar, Tarek wanted to offer a 360-degree dining experience that engages all the senses, drawing inspiration from theatrical performances like Cirque du Soleil. The restaurant’s design, crafted by local firm Cocoon and Bauer, features luxurious interiors and a glass orangery extension, contributing to the ongoing transformation of Captain Cook Square into a vibrant leisure destination .​