Not only is it the only Michelin-recommended market stall in Leeds, but The Owl also lays claim to being Kirkgate market's first-ever pub.
Painted all in black, it could be very easy to miss The Owl were it not for the ornate, golden bird of prey knocker on the pub and taproom’s door – and for a little red sticker in the window proudly pronouncing “Michelin’, awarded to the pub at the start of 2021.
But trust us, it’s worth seeking this place out.
First opened by fine dining stars Liz Cottam and Mark Owen in 2019, the pair behind Leeds' Michelin-rated restaurant HOME, The Owl made history in Leeds as the first pub to open inside the iconic city center market in over 150 years.
Nestled in with the traders on Fish & Game Row, it’s the only place (probably) in the city where you can pick up three melons for a quid and also treat yourself to a Michelin-recommended dining experience under one roof.
Having grown up in pubs herself, Cottam has previously said she was 'always drawn' to opening her own - but this is no ordinary pub. Whilst it brands itself as a pub and a taproom, it's so much more too: offering three different menus, spanning lunch, dinner and 'grazing'.
We opted for a spot of mid-afternoon 'grazing'. With a few pints on the side. Obviously.
As part of its pub offering The Owl works in collaboration with Leeds' Northern Monk Brewery, so you'll always be sure to find some special beers on draught here.
The collection of 'grazind tray' dishes comes out in a heavy-looking wooden tray, crammed with all sorts of delights from The Owl’s current game and fish menus.
Currently on tap is their 'Summer of Faith' - a hazy rhubarb shandy that celebrates the best of Yorkshire rhubarb whilst simultaneously being packed full of sweetness - as well as the simply titled 'Faith' pale ale, a big, juicy modern craft ale packed with tropical, citrus and pine flavours.
It all comes out in special pint glasses illustrated with a graphic of Kirkgate market and a cute little owl, a lovely touch. The Faith also worked wonderfully with our grazing tray - which, incidentally, has to be the most affordable option out of their three menus: offering a collection of small plates for just £30.
These can all currently be ordered separately, but we were feeling greedy so we went the whole hog and ordered them all in one. And wow, was it worth it.
Miniature crumpets laden with cod's roe and wild boar jam at The Owl
From miniature crumpets laden with cod's roe and wild boar jam; to baked Lindisfarne oysters and guinea fowl toast with Dale End cheddar, every single plate that came out wowed us - right down to the marmite butter and sticky, malty ale-glazed bread.
When paired with homemade mushroom ketchup, the KFR (Kentucky fried rabbit) became an absolute revelation, its dry gaminess rounded out by lashings of the creamy umami-rich sauce.
Baked Lindisfarne oysters with chef's garnish at The Owl
Our absolute star dish, though, had to be the marinaded north sea bream, served with delicate little pickled onions that had just the perfect amount of crunch.
This is pub food like you've never had it before.
We're aware that fine dining isn't for everyone and we can understand why. That said, we feel like The Owl should be for everyone - or at the very least, for everyone that eats meat (for anyone else, it's worth noting that the veggie options were slim whilst the vegan options were nonexistent).
Meat eaters, though, get stuck in. This is your spot. Surrounded by meat and fish stalls, it should be a given that that was going to be the case, really.
Find out more about The Owl and view its menus here.
Feature image - Dockstreetsigns.
News
Fire tears through historic Yorkshire mill for THIRD time this year
Another huge blaze has ripped through the historic Dalton Mills in West Yorkshire, which has played a starring role in major TV shows.
The beautiful old mill in Keighley was set ablaze on Saturday evening, with a huge emergency services response.
Around the time the blaze started, 12 fire engines were called to the scene, and residents nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
A number of people who lived in the surrounding area were also evacuated from their homes.
By Sunday morning, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the situation was now 'under control' and thanked the public for their patience.
This is the third fire at Dalton Mills this year alone, devastating the Grade II-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for period dramas Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Robbie Moor, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, shared a video of himself at the scene over the weekend and said the scenes at Dalton Mills were 'extremely concerning'.
He praised the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for their hard work, alongside police and ambulance crews.
He added in a post on X: "Huge thanks to our emergency services for all their efforts and bravery as they continue to tackle the blaze and put out this major fire, and ensure all are safe.
"Thank you also to all who have contacted me this evening. I have visited the scene myself and spoke with the emergency services and neighbouring residents."
In a video statement, he added: "We’ve had another major fire, here in the centre of Keighley, which is deeply infuriating for us all but most importantly those residents that live alongside Dalton Mills, and those businesses.
"This situation just simply cannot continue.
"You know that I’ve been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now, and this is our next major fire."
Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
Georgina Pellant -
29th July 2021 
