The owners behind one of Leeds' most-loved pubs is bringing a brand new opening to the city centre.
Our very own food and drink hall.
And it's set to bring together a whole host of independents, including Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology Brewery and Whitewood Distilling, amongst other food traders.
Expect all the charm from the oldest pub in Leeds, but the idea is that this new opening won't be a replica of Whitelock's Ale House, it's going to be far from it.
Based at White Cloth Hall, the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city's newest food and drink hall, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Hidden just behind the Corn Exchange, you might remember the building for hosting BrewDog, Pizza Express and a hairdressers, but it actually started life way back in 1775 as a marketplace for merchants to sell undyed or 'white' cloth.
The hall is set to open in 2024 and bring all the former units together into a single place to eat, drink and unwind from a busy day in the city.
Given the history behind Whitelock's, Leeds' oldest pub, working with an older building is certainly no challenge for the team taking over.
Ed Mason, Whitelock’s Ale House Managing Director said: "This is such a beautiful and iconic building - we’re really excited about taking it over. At Whitelock’s we celebrate and support local independent breweries and food and drink suppliers - and we’re looking forward to doing the same at White Cloth Hall, on an even bigger scale”
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Mason and the Whitelock's team took over and relaunched the pub back in 2012 and more recently opened The Meanwood Tavern in 2022, taking an old neighbourhood bar in the suburbs and transforming it into a popular food and drink spot that has had locals and city dwellers flocking to Meanwood in droves since opening.
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991.
You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.
But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.
Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.
We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.
And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.
Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.
As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?
More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.
This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years.
You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Clementine Hall
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Sophie Smith -
26th September 2023 
