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
Business
Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds
Emily Sergeant
Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the city’s interactive gaming scene, as Prison Island prepares to open its first northern venue.
The new multi-activity entertainment venue at the Merrion Centre will make itself at home inside an 11,000 sq ft unit across two floors, with Prison Island being at the heart of the action.
Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving, and unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges that enable them to create a different experience with every visit.
The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences - including interactive darts and interactive golf.
Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations, and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England - joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Prison Island Leeds - which will create 18 jobs once it opens - will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions.
Suitable for groups of friends and families, as well as celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities, the venue is joining the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarter’s growing leisure and entertainment offer.
Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: "We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds / Credit: Supplied
"With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before."
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.
Further information on the opening, including launch plans, will be announced in due course.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
