Ryan's Kitchen has long been a Kirkstall favourite for Jamaican food but it wasn't until the pandemic that locals were able to appreciate the true authenticity of Ryan's dishes.
Ryan Simpson of Ryan's Kitchen has perfected the art of fine cuisine after leaving the army and starting his own catering business.
The small restaurant opened on Kirkstall Road over four years ago but "demand went through the roof during lockdown" as many customers made Ryan's Kitchen takeaway a weekend ritual after sampling a range of Caribbean dishes from the restaurant.
Founder Ryan Simpson has a long history of cooking delicious Caribbean food for family and friends before starting his venture.
Growing up, the ex-Army chef cooked a three course dinner every week with his siblings and was inspired by his parent's cooking style to perfect his recipes.
After leaving the army in 2004, Ryan moved to Leeds and worked in a call centre.
Moving in with like-minded foodies encouraged the chef to adapt to his secret recipes to mouthwatering successes.
He began selling his meals to co-workers and eventually set up as a mobile catering business.
Spiced, not spicy is his mantra and the menu shows that there is no absence of flavour at his Kirkstall restaurant.
These days, you'll find the chef at his permanent residence on Kirkstall Road, where customers are loyal and the menu, delicious.
The kitchen now operates with takeaway and dine-in available Wednesday to Sunday. / Image: Ryan's Kitchen
Ranked in the top 25 per cent for food in Leeds and a page of glowing five-star reviews on TripAdvisor only demonstrates the variety of cuisine available.
According to TripAdvisor, during lockdown, the restaurant was the must-try place on Kirkstall road:
"As we can't go out much ordered a delivery. What fantastic food! I had heard great recommendations but not tried it before. We had jerk chicken and curried goat. Absolutely delicious. Will definitely be back for more and look forward to the day we can visit the restaurant".
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes on offer and the majority of meals are made gluten-free.
The mock jerk, rice, peas with corn dumplings, slaw and plantain is just one example of how Ryan's menu doesn't compromise on quality.
Vegans agree that it can be particularly difficult to find meat substitutes that are still flavoursome, but reviewers on vegan critic site Happy Cow, say that these dishes are perfect for anyone looking for authentic Jamaican food at a reasonable price.
For more information about this must-try restaurant, visit Ryan's Kitchen website or wander down to their restaurant on Kirkstall road.
Please note the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Feature Image- Ryan's Kitchen
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Leeds City Council asks public to help shape plans for eastern side of city centre
Leeds City Council is asking people for their views about transport options and public space in the city centre.
Got some thoughts and feelings about how you'd like Leeds city centre to operate? Well now's your time to speak up.
Because people are being invited to give their feedback on current issues and improvements they would like to see around St. Peter’s Street, York Street, Eastgate, Duke Street, Kirkgate, Crown Point Road, Marsh Lane and East Street.
This area of Leeds is vital for those travelling in and out of the city, with many integral and busy bus routes passing through here.
The area is also home to leisure, cultural and educational facilities, as well as Leeds bus station, and has a large and growing residential population, making it a key area for people using the bus, walking, cycling, and travelling by car.
Between 2014 and 2024, there were 260 road related casualties in the area, including 32 serious casualties and three fatalities.
The council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will use feedback to develop plans for safer ways of travelling for everyone and more welcoming public spaces.
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “This is an important step towards a transport system that prioritises efficient public transport and supports all forms of travelling, making it easier and safer for people to get around the city.
“Public spaces are there to be used and enjoyed by everyone, and it's important that we make these spaces welcoming, accessible and well connected.
"We urge everyone that travels through this area — whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus - to take part in the consultation and share your views. By sharing your experience of travelling in the area, we’ll be able to make the right improvements to make it a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.”
Have your say before Tuesday 17 November by filling in a short survey, or attending a drop-in event. You can view the drop-in events here.
Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
