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Eats

An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall - 30th June 2026

Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.

If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.

Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.

Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.

This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.

Image: O Katsu

Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.

Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.

But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.

Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.

Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.

We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.

There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.

One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.

Read more: Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best

A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.

Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.

The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.

Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.

It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.

Images: The Sheff

Images: The Sheff

Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.

It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.

Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.

It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.

And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.

Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.

Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.

“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.

“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”

Read more: A look inside the trendy Catalonian café and bar coming to Sheffield

Featured image - The Sheff

Eats

A Parisian-inspired bistro serving steak and bottomless fries has just opened in Leeds

Clementine Hall

There's only one thing better than fries, and that's bottomless fries.

There's a new date spot in town, and it's called Jasper's.

Tucked away in the beautiful Grand Arcade, this new bistro and bar is focusing on one thing and doing it well...steak and chips.

We honestly can't think of a better combo, and the best part? The chips are bottomless.

You may have seen this sort of concept over in Paris, where guests are served two servings of steak and chips all for a very reasonable price.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Well this is basically the same, except you get one steak each and endless fries that are perfect for mopping up all the juices.

You can choose from a rump steak and chips for just £19.50 or you can pay a little bit extra for a 28 day aged ribeye, if you're feeling that little bit fancy.

Then once your food arrives, you'll have 90 minutes to get through as many fries as possible. Challenge accepted.

They've got loads of sauces for dipping and dunking as well, from your classic peppercorn to a zingy chimichurri.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If steak isn't your thing then the menu also features plenty of other options like tiger prawns, fried oysters and grilled scallops.

The cocktail list is absolutely huge, with over 100 whiskeys on offer for you to make your way through.

The interior is moody, dark and ultra romantic - perfect for date night if you ask us.

Jasper's steak house and bar is open now in Leeds city centre and you can find more about it here.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds