Michelin-Guide starring, award-winning chef Liz Cottam is known across Leeds for her incredible menus, quality service and her recent appearance on The Great British Menu has only amplified her talents to a widespread audience.
Whilst Owl is well-known as one of Leeds' finest eateries, hidden inside Leeds historic markets for two years, the gastro pub is now set to move to a new location within the city centre.
Currently residing in the former site of founder Liz Cottam’s other venture HOME on Kirkgate on a temporary basis, Owl is preparing for a new chapter. From next month, the restaurant will set up shop in a brand new riverside location at Leeds’ Mustard Wharf development.
From Friday 27 May, the new Owl restaurant will open at Lockside: a picturesque riverside development looking over the canal. Conveniently located just moments from Leeds train station, the new spot has been designed to reflect the traditional heritage of Leeds with the new, modern development of the city’s South Bank.
Owl has been based inside Leeds Market for two years, but is now on the move. / Image: Owl
The new restaurant will be roughly twice the size of its previous market home, including an outdoor terrace, allowing more opportunity for diners to enjoy Owl’s outstanding menu which has received incredible reviews from customers and critics alike since it first opened its doors in 2019.
Led by head chef Mark Owens, Owl has recently launched its spring menus which feature an eclectic mix of traditional British staples and an array of unique tasting courses and experiences, all of which are expected to remain on the menu.
Local produce is of particular importance here, with picks such as North Sea cod, aged Yorkshire duck terrine and Yorkshire rhubarb sitting across the dinner, lunch, bar and Sunday menus.
The menu is meat-focused with a range of local produce used to create each dish. / Image: Owl
The decision to move Owl from its original location was made after the team decided that they were outgrowing the market and that the space was not fit for their ambitious visions for the restaurant.
Where HOME, Liz Cottam’s first restaurant, has already settled nicely away from Kirkgate and into its new home in Leeds’ Brewery Place, Owl’s journey to its new location has been long-awaited and highly anticipated.
Speaking about the move to Riverside, owner Elizabeth Cottamsaid: “We can’t wait to move into Owl’s new forever home. We’ve been working really hard to find the right spot for Owl and we’re delighted to say that we’ve found it. To be part of the exciting new Mustard Wharf development is an honour, it’s such a great new asset for Leeds and you can feel a real buzz in the air.
"Expect lots of light, picturesque views, and even some outdoor space! We’ve found the perfect spot to guzzle down some oysters and champagne on those sunny days and cosy evenings, al fresco style! All whilst gazing at the wonderful city skyline, right on the water's edge on our terrace."
As one final celebratory hurrah for Owl at Kirkgate, the restaurant will be hosting one of their special Wine & Dine events on Thursday 5 May 2022.
Six courses made up of British seasonal ingredients and flavours will be paired with wine and stories. Expect bread, snacks, oysters, charcuterie and an unforgettable evening, priced at £100 per person.
After this, Owl’s last service at Kirkgate will be on Saturday 21 May before reopening at Mustard Wharf on Saturday 28 May.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Sophie Smith -
20th April 2022 
