When Bavette opened in Horsforth earlier this year, it was clear they were adding something special to Leeds’ foodie scene.
Sandy and Clément created a love letter to France in this leafy suburb which combines exceptional hospitality with delicious seasonal dishes. The Michelin Guide paid them a visit a couple of weeks ago and, of course, saw that this venue deserves a spot on the prestigious restaurant guide.
So incredibly well deserved and if you haven’t already, try this absolute gem for a truly gorgeous dining experience.
Announcing the news on Instagram over the weekend, Bavette said:
"So we’ve been keeping it under our chapeau for a while, but we found out a few weeks ago the Michelin Guide came to Bavette and wanted to include us in the next guide, coming out early 2025.
"We are also now up on their website as of yesterday.
"We are all filled with pride, joy and general excitement for this achievement, only possible by how amazing every single member of the team has done since day 1. Our dream was to open a bistro people loved coming to (which we feel is off to a good start) rather than to set out and get accolades but we’d be lying if we said this wasn’t a special moment for us."
Here's what the Michelin Guide has to say about Bavette:
"From baguettes to bavettes, there’s something so overtly French about this neighbourhood bistro that it’s a wonder they don’t have the tricolore flag hanging outside. Its unlikely location in the Leeds suburb of Horsforth is a result of the relationship between Leeds native Sandy Jarvis and Frenchman Clément Cousin, who met while working in some of London’s top restaurants.
"Clément runs the chatty service, while Sandy is in the kitchen working on a concise menu of keenly priced Gallic classics – expect to spot flavoursome renditions of the likes of pâté en croute and shellfish bisque."
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Sophie Smith -
29th April 2024 
