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
New rules restricting the use of bikes and street trading are set to be introduced in Leeds city centre
New regulations are set to be put into place as part of the Briggate Action Plan.
Proposals for the plan, aimed at making some of the city centre’s busiest areas safer for everyone, received a huge amount of support during a public consultation last year.
Since then, the council have been drawing up the necessary regulations and signage, with the new rules now due to officially come into place over the next few months.
Once implemented, the action plan will mean a requirement to walk bicycles and e-bikes within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area from 10.30am until 8pm every day.
That means no surprise bicycles will try and run you over as you're doing your shopping, hooray!
The action plan will also introduce prohibitions around certain street trading activities in targeted areas, including mobile street traders.
Extended restrictions will be put into place during major city centre events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market.
Anyone breaking the new rules could be given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council, said: “The city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and our aim is for every one of them to have the best and safest possible experience of Leeds.
“Through this action plan, we’ve taken important and meaningful steps to address issues which the public have consistently told us were impacting their enjoyment of the city centre whilst also creating potential safety issues for shoppers and pedestrians.
“With these new regulations in place, our hope is that both day-to-day visits and major events will now be even more enjoyable, successful and welcoming.”
The new restrictions on pedlars are expected to be in place from Thursday 1 October, with restrictions on bikes in pedestrianised areas due to be in place by the end of the year.
Everything you need to know about the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales
Emily Sergeant
Licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to be able introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone - helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you're buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you've left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that 'it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]' and that physical ID will 'still remain a valid way' for customers to prove their age.
"This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out," she concluded.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
