Michael O’Hare unveils new venture Psycho Sandbar – and it’s a triumph

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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Featured image – The Hoot Leeds