NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Leeds has never been shy when it comes to launching exciting new food destinations and with such a wealth of talent on our doorstep, it’s little wonder there’s always something new to shout about.
With indoor dining now safely back, we thought we’d give a nod to five of our favourite new and relaunched restaurants in Leeds.
Vice & Virtue
After an appearance on Master Chef: The Professionals, last year where he wowed the judges with a mix of clever but meaningful dishes, Jono took over the reins at Vice & Virtue only a few months ago and is already making a big impression.
What we now have at V&V is an interesting, yet playful menu cooked to perfection (with both great veggie and vegan options) an eclectic playlist and feel good vibes.
The dishes range from Savoury porridge to chicken liver; cod loin to char sui pork but the main event is his mushroom tiramisu. Made famous after getting him to the final of Masterchef, this dish is the stand-out favourite. Creamy, earthy, sweet but sadly doesn’t last long on the plate. We recommend going before it has left the menu.
Vice & Virtue, 68 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
viceandvirtueleeds.co.uk
House of Fu
The hype machine on this place has been going on for many years but House of Fu has finally found a base close to Headrow House where they will soon be opening a second-floor karaoke place and rooftop bar.
This place definitely wins the best-looking venue in Leeds right now and is a mix of rice bowls, ramen and delicious sides. Although the ramen is the mainstay here, we thought the gyoza plate was just unmissable while the sides, the pickles and the ice-cream sandwiches are what dreams are made of. Check out the daily specials on the delicious gyoza, which are perfect washed down with a pint of Northern Monk and the lunchtime special and Super Bowl Sunday come highly recommended.
House of Fu, 15-19 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
hellohouseoffu.com
Tetley Bar and Kitchen
New head chef Connaire Moran arrives at the Bar & Kitchen fresh from The Owl in Kirkgate Market and he’s raising the roof. The Tetley has always been about good seasonal British cooking but Moran is hoping to put his stamp on it with a few twists. Once home to the managers quarters of Tetley Brewery, it’s now a contemporary arts centre, full of creativity. And now great food.
The menu is only a few weeks old, but Moran is already setting out his stall with highlights including the perfectly spiced chicken thigh and ale sauce; the surprisingly flavoursome sweetcorn waffles; the incredible ox cheek and the brand new Sunday roast.
Despite being slap bang in the middle of a huge redevelopment in the city’s Aire Park we recommend you give it a try as it’s very much open and well worth a visit.
Tetley Bar & Kitchen, The Tetley, Leeds LS10 1JQ
thetetley.org/bar-kitchen
Ox Club
Having spent many a happy time at this place over the years, it’s always a pleasure returning to the Ox Club with its famous Sunday Roast and it is so good to see it continue to flourish. Under the guidance of Head Chef Andy Castle, the kitchen is calm, the setting is super-relaxed and the wine pours freely.
Check out the ever-popular lamb cutlets to start with and the 800g wing rib of beef with ALL the trimmings which will melt in your mouth. Could this be the best cauliflower cheese in the land? Leeds has a flourishing Sunday roast scene right now and Ox Club is right at the top.
Ox Club, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
oxclub.co.uk
Kerbside
The burger market in Leeds is rather saturated at the moment with the likes of Taking Care of Burgers, Patty Freaks and Little Red all making an impressive splash, but one to definitely check out is new kid on the block, Kerbside.
To me, a burger is all about the setting and memories. It’s your hangover necessity and the first fast food to flourish into street food. It’s certainly come a long way since the days of a Wimpy or a Wetherspoon and so may we suggest you head down to Springwell and check out this cheeky burger joint.
Kerbside offers sensational smashed patty style burgers and crinkle-cut chips and we heartily recommend the JB double bacon cheese with truffle mayo.
