Malmaison Leeds is returning to its roots with the return of Chez Mal restaurant.
Spearheaded by chef and director John Woodward, Chez Mal will also implement an updated menu which will bring serious flair to modern dining, breathing new life into brasserie classics.
Guests can expect global inspiration, modern techniques, and dishes fired up on Konro and Josper grills.
Malmaison's Chez Mal takes its name and spirit from Château Malmaison, where Napoleon and Josephine threw some of the most legendary feasts in history. Chez Mal is here to carry on that legacy in Leeds, serving up exceptional food, killer cocktails, and next-level hospitality.
Image: Supplied
Sounds good right?
Whether you're popping in for afternoon tea, a romantic dinner for two or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings diners can expect delicious ingredient-driven plates with impressive attention to detail.
The iconic bottomless brunch is available every Saturday with free-flowing Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, Mimosas, and Cruzcampo, paired with a delicious main course priced at £39.50 - the perfect combination if you ask us.
Image: Supplied
Malmaison Leeds general manager, Sara Hargraves, said: “Chez Mal isn’t just back – it’s better, bolder, and ready to lead the culinary scene in Leeds once again.
"Our guests can expect the same fantastic service and comfort that Malmaison Leeds and Chez Mal have always been known for, set against the backdrop of our beautifully refreshed bar and restaurant. It’s a nod to Chez Mal’s heritage but reimagined for the future.”
And partnered with a night stay at the wonderful Malmaison hotel, we can't think of a better staycation in a wonderful city.
Find out more and book your table at Chez Mal here.
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.”
Clementine Hall -
1st May 2025 
