The renovation plan promised a ‘bigger, and better, luxurious offering’ to the City Square eatery - and it delivered that and more.
Restaurant Bar & Grill has undergone a whopping £2m refurbishment this summer, and the results are astonishing.
Honey onyx marble, olive-green leather banquettes and deep walnut panelling - just stepping inside the newly refurbished restaurant located in the bustling City Square immediately transports you to New York’s affluent upper east side.
Located in the historic Old Post Office building opposite Leeds train station, the new Restaurant Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for a lunch date, post-work drinks or slap up evening meal.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect innovative cocktails, phenomenal service and an amazing array of food which is perfect for any time of day. Brunch, lunch or dinner - the menu caters for all and every occasion.
Once sat, don’t forget to look up at the spectacular ornate ceiling decorated with grand chandeliers - it truly is a sight to behold.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famous for their steaks, RBG has prioritised its focus on ageing, sourcing, and cutting its steaks to perfection. Also boasting a great array of fish and vegetarian options, this really is the perfect spot for large groups to get together in one of their comfy booths and find something for everyone to enjoy.
We sampled the Ribeye steak which was cooked to perfection, drenched in a silky smooth peppercorn sauce which also acted as the perfect dipping sauce for the ultimate chunky chips.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Halloumi Burger was a brilliant vegetarian option, served in a soft brioche bun with extra gooey cheese melted on top because why not?
The Black Miso Cod was utter perfection, a sticky sweet glaze coated buttery fish which flaked away effortlessly.
The cocktails are the perfect meal accompaniment, go for a summer spritz to feel refreshed or an expertly mixed espresso martini for that kickstart to the evening.
With a gorgeous Al Fresco dining area, make the most of the summer months and basque in the sunshine whilst enjoying RBG’s deluxe food and drink offering.
So what are you waiting for, head down to Restaurant Bar & Grill, marvel in its beauty and let their lovely staff take care of you for the evening - we promise you won’t regret it.
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
Popular beer festival showcasing over 35 indie breweries is returning to Leeds this month
Clementine Hall
Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.
Beer lovers, this one's for you.
Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.
The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.
Images: Supplied
Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.
Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.
And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.
Images: Supplied
Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.
"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”
Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.
Clementine Hall -
21st August 2023 
