Reopening in a gorgeous new backdrop, The Owl has had the ultimate summertime makeover in its new waterside location.
Open to the public from Friday 27 May, the new Owl restaurant is a light, airy space home to some of Leeds' best-known chefs and dishes.
Headed up by no less than award-winning chef Liz Cottam with head chef Mark Owens running the kitchen, this exciting new venture for the team.
The all-new fine-dining spot will open at Lockside: a picturesque riverside development looking over the canal. Conveniently located just moments from Leeds train station, the new spot has been designed to reflect the traditional heritage of Leeds with the new, modern development of the city’s South Bank.
Image: Supplied
The new restaurant will be roughly twice the size of its previous market home, including an outdoor terrace, allowing more opportunity for diners to enjoy Owl’s outstanding menu which has received incredible reviews from customers and critics alike since it first opened its doors in 2019.
Led by head chef Mark Owens, Owl has recently launched its spring menus which feature an eclectic mix of traditional British staples and an array of unique tasting courses and experiences, all of which are expected to remain on the menu.
Local produce is of particular importance here, with picks such as North Sea cod, aged Yorkshire duck terrine and Yorkshire rhubarb sitting across the dinner, lunch, bar and Sunday menus.
Image: Supplied
Owl is led by head chef Mark Owens who opened up The Owl originally with business partner Elizabeth Cottam.
Mark Owens said: “We have worked so hard behind the scenes to create the Owl we’ve always envisioned. We are excited to start this new chapter in the life of Owl and are looking forward to welcoming all of our guests, old and new. Owl is great food, a great atmosphere and an experience to remember. As well as being a new chapter for Owl, we’re excited to be a part of a brilliant new area for Leeds alongside some fantastic local businesses such as Cross Keys, Northern Monk Refectory and Water Lane Boathouse.”
It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.
And they're just as excited as we are.
Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.
Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.
And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.
"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."
Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.
Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
Leeds’ matcha scene is about to get a serious upgrade, because MADE, the viral Sheffield favourite, is officially ready to open its second site right in the heart of the city.
Taking over a spot on Lower Briggate, the new café lands on Thursday 30 April, and if its Sheffield success is anything to go by, it'll be pretty popular from day one.
Since launching less than a year ago, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space brings something genuinely fresh to the table in Leeds.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s already gained a cult following over in Sheffield.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
Acai bowls at MADE in LeedsInside the new MADE in LeedsMatcha at MADE Leeds
MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), and other grab-and-go bites.
Taking over the former Nice Things unit, the arrival of MADE brings a new energy to Lower Briggate just in time for summer.
And judging by the queues they regularly draw in Sheffield, it’s safe to say Leeds locals are about to become very familiar with that signature green hue.
Sophie Smith -
25th May 2022 
