Kino has only been open for a few short months, but the former cinema space has done nothing but fuse casual and fine dining in one a stunning setting.
The Grade II listed building has been home to charcuterie boards and pre-show cocktails for those catching a show at neighbouring Opera North, or acted as a laid back afternoon watering hole for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city centre life in an intimate venue.
Now, local independent kitchen MorMor will be taking over as part of a foodie takeover for the remainder of the year- and you can catch a glimpse of their locally renowned Levantine cuisine from tonight.
The carefully-curated menu is made up of a range of delicious small plates inspired by spices from the crossroads of western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and North-East Africa, each of which tells a story through flavour.
Chargrilled Onion, Orange and Fennel with Thyme. / Image: Chapter 81
We're talking sophisticated blends of roast aubergine with a date and almond crumb, dressed in a herb oil and honey tahini yoghurt, or the likes of butterfly cut king prawns barbecued over coals inside their shells and smothered in a warm harissa butter with chillies, Aleppo pepper and herbs.
The idea is that diners will be able to choose roughly two plates each, with options ranging from soft shell crab and sauteed green beans to tabbouleh, and can share the sensory experience with their diners.
MorMor has built a reputation across the North for its stunning Levantine dishes. / Image: MorMor, Instagram
There's also a large plate option, ideal for two people wanting to share, whilst includes inventive combinations like French cut lamb racks served pink with a za'atar crumb, spiced chermoula yoghurt, roast butternut squash purée and homemade flatbread.
Taking on a Palestinian staple, MorMor is also offering Guineafowl Musakhan, a Guineafowl roasted in sumac and pomegrate with toasted pine nuts and caramelised onions.
And if that's not enough, there's plenty of nibbly bits on the Mezze menu for starters of a light bite. Think Kurdish naan, hummus, roasted feta and cucumber, as well as patron peppers and mixed bread portions with za'atar and garlic oil.
MorMor launches at Kino from Wednesday 14 September 2022. / Image: Chapter 81
The new menu from MorMor, and the entire Kino dining space, is designed for bringing people together to anticipate, and embrace that joyous occasion of trying new flavours with like-minded company- and you're not going to be disappointed here.
To taste test the MorMor kitchen takeover at Kino Leeds and find out why this menu is anticipated to be a Leeds' favourite, visit Kino Wednesday - Saturday until the end of the year.
Feature Image- MorMor
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
14th September 2022 
