A daily changing menu showcasing the best produce of Leeds' Kirkgate Market, The Empire Cafe is going to be an exciting new opening from the chefs behind the transformation of The Bear at Carriages in Knaresborough.
Promising a blend of old school hospitality and new-wave gastronomy, No. 6 Fish Street, in Leeds old Shambles spot is going to truly bring a culinary feast to the city centre.
Just a stone's throw from Leeds Victoria Quarter and the markets, owner Sam Pullen and his partner Nicole Deighton plan to elevate local ingredients with barbecue flavours, right in the heart of Leeds.
The menu focuses on local produce brought to life by a 'wall of flame' rotisserie. Rotisserie chickens will be spinning around the clock, available to sit in, or takeaway, dredged in house made butters and aioli’s.
Market breakfasts will ease early birds, Council workers, and businesspeople into their weekday, whilst shoppers can enjoy a glass of natural wine to indulge a Saturday afternoon’s retail therapy.
And the venue itself comes with bags of history - some of which has only just come to light as the owners began their renovation journey.
Extensive renovations began in Spring 2023, un site’s unique heritage has been uncovered. "As we started taking off the old cladding covering the front of the building, we discovered this ‘ghost sign’ for the Empire Café,” Sam commented. “The former owner of Cafe Strega, who bought it in the 1970s, didn’t realise the sign was even there.”
During a successful decade directing The Bears Pantry, catering for high-profile clients from the world of fashion and media, the team behind the transformation clearly know how to bring venues to life. Having also helped transform The Bear at Carriages where the menu quickly became known for its rare breed steaks and sharing plates, chargrilled over their purpose-built solid fuel ‘bear-pit’, housed in gastropub’s panoramic beer garden - this is certainly a new opening to keep your eye on.
Sam added: “In developing and transforming this once very popular and characterful Leeds institution, we want to give a little bit of Leeds back to Leeds. This type of service is almost unheard of these days and there certainly aren’t many independent places that are like that in existence anymore.”
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Sophie Smith -
1st March 2023 
