Formerly known as The Man Behind the Curtain, the underground restaurant on Vicar Lane remains one of the best in the city.
Leeds' only Michelin-star eatery, The Man Behind the Curtain, closed its doors at the end of last year in order to make way for chef Michael O'Hare's new venture, Psycho Sandbar, which opened in March.
We were lucky enough to visit the new venue, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Great British Menu judge said the rebrand was influenced by Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, which have transformed the food and drink industry.
And the new, more accessible set menus available reflect this.
Customers can enjoy a four course menu for £40 or six courses for £60, both of which come with additional optional wine pairing.
Now granted, a dining experience at Psycho Sandbar is not your everyday, walk-in casual lunch or dinner option.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
But our experience at the Sandbar was nothing short of exceptional, and it stands as the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion if you're a foodie or looking to experience something very unique.
From the moment you step foot through the door and make your way down the stairs to the underground concrete bunker, everything from the funky music to the monochrome aesthetic transports you to a different world.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Every tiny little detail has been thoroughly thought out, from the handcrafted cutlery and crockery to the bundle of menus tied together in leather.
The menu offers a la carte options as well as a chefs tasting menu, but whatever you order you will be absolutely blown away.
From the Singapore chilli crab with slow cooked egg yolk to the salt and sugar cured hake with plankton scraps, everything was honestly exceptional.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The wine pairings take your dining experience to another level, presented by their expert staff who will answer any questions you may have (no matter how ridiculous they are).
If you can visit Psycho Sandbar, then we really urge you to do so and their new six or four course menu is the perfect way to do it.
The set menus will constantly change so no visit will be the same, and we can guarantee that you'll be wanting to visit time and time again.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at Psycho Sandbar's website.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2024 
