Sadly, however, as a result of the rising pressures facing everyone in the industry and a cost-of-living crisis continuing to dampen spirits and prevent people from eating out as much as they would like, it looks like the decision has been made to shut things down.
For anyone who's visited or is just passionate about Leeds' dining scene, this is another hard one to take.
They took over the old Reliance gastropub on North Street. (Credit: The Hoot)
While there has been no official update from the business itself directly or on social media as yet, an email shared with staff read as follows:
"It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that we will be closing the pub as of today. I truly appreciate all of your hard work and efforts over the last couple of years, it's been a blast.
"Rising costs and a poor economy [have] led to this decision and [it's] nothing to do with the fantastic service you have delivered to all our guests."
Founder and director John Quinlan went on to assure that all members of the team would receive strong references and be paid in full for their shifts up until this last Sunday (23 Feb) as well as all outstanding holiday pay.
Truly gutting but a relief to hear the employees are being looked after as best they can.
Incredible food, as simple as that. (Credit: The Manc Group)
While it still remains unclear whether it will just be Leeds venue closing or whether the original Three's A Crowd restaurant is also under threat, we can only keep our fingers crossed that everyone gets back on their feet as soon as possible.
The Hoot has enjoyed some seriously good stuff from these guys so we sincerely hope it's not goodbye forever.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Danny Jones -
26th February 2025 
