Formerly known as The Man Behind the Curtain, the underground restaurant on Vicar Lane remains one of the best in the city.
Leeds' only Michelin-star eatery, The Man Behind the Curtain, closed its doors at the end of last year in order to make way for chef Michael O'Hare's new venture, Psycho Sandbar, which opened in March.
We were lucky enough to visit the new venue, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Great British Menu judge said the rebrand was influenced by Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, which have transformed the food and drink industry.
And the new, more accessible set menus available reflect this.
Customers can enjoy a four course menu for £40 or six courses for £60, both of which come with additional optional wine pairing.
Now granted, a dining experience at Psycho Sandbar is not your everyday, walk-in casual lunch or dinner option.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
But our experience at the Sandbar was nothing short of exceptional, and it stands as the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion if you're a foodie or looking to experience something very unique.
From the moment you step foot through the door and make your way down the stairs to the underground concrete bunker, everything from the funky music to the monochrome aesthetic transports you to a different world.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Every tiny little detail has been thoroughly thought out, from the handcrafted cutlery and crockery to the bundle of menus tied together in leather.
The menu offers a la carte options as well as a chefs tasting menu, but whatever you order you will be absolutely blown away.
From the Singapore chilli crab with slow cooked egg yolk to the salt and sugar cured hake with plankton scraps, everything was honestly exceptional.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The wine pairings take your dining experience to another level, presented by their expert staff who will answer any questions you may have (no matter how ridiculous they are).
If you can visit Psycho Sandbar, then we really urge you to do so and their new six or four course menu is the perfect way to do it.
The set menus will constantly change so no visit will be the same, and we can guarantee that you'll be wanting to visit time and time again.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at Psycho Sandbar's website.
Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.
Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.
Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.
The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.
The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.
"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.
"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.
"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."
The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.
"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain can now open a new branch in a Leeds suburb after plans have been agreed.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Images: The Manc Group
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meandwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
Burgerism's new takeaway will be near the famed Zucco restaurant and The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
The planning officer's report stated that the applicant must give sufficient details of extraction equipment to prevent the odour for people living above.
It read: “The application site relates to a vacant ground floor premises within a parade of three commercial units in a local town centre. Above the premises are three floors of purpose-built self-contained flats.”
A design report by Burgerism read: “The proposal will ensure the continued use of a vacant hot food takeaway and will support the continued viability of the town centre of Meanwood, with an exciting new operator in the market.”
The brand-new Burgerism would employ 15 people from the local area and would serve food between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, so you can get your Burgerism fix.
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2024 
