Everything about Fint is carefully put together, and it shows.
Fint, formerly Fettle, is combining laid-back Scandi style with organic, seasonal produce to bring Leeds' city streets an unrivalled menu of breakfast, brunch and dinnertime specials.
After some serious rebranding back in August, the team behind Fettle opened, Fint. Housed in the same space as its predecessor on Leeds’ leafy Great George street, the owners have rebranded following a period of closure – and we were really excited to see them back, albeit in a new guise.
Fint is located on Great George Street in Leeds city centre. / Image: Fint Leeds
Fettle was known and loved for its understated, laid-back cafe-meets-restaurant vibe, and whilst the space has reemerged with a new name it seems that its overall aesthetic still holds up. The difference? There’s now more of a restaurant focus.
The menu is still a treat to uncover: you're unlikely to find anything like it around Leeds.
Using seasonal produce to make up the ever-changing menu, expect dishes like eggs benedict cooked to perfection with unusual earthy combinations that put the usual sourdough and hollandaise to shame.
Poached eggs with hollandaise. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up breakfast and brunch during their lunchtime sitting, Fint is truly effortlessly fusing sophisticated interior with a laid-back dining setting.
Available from 10am every day, the reimagined poached eggs option comes with spinach and halloumi, whilst the meaty alternative Lamb Crumpet Benedict comes as braised lamb shank, homemade crunmpets, poached egg, lemon dill hollandaise and pickled apricot.
For those with a proper lunchtime appetite will be delighted to see larger portions of wholesome dishes like sweet potato and lentil soup and Nordic Gnocchi. The pan-toasted pasta is fresh with a slight crunch and served with an irrestible combination of sauerkraut, cavoio nero pumpkin seed cream and a choice of either coley or tofu.
Nordic gnocchi with coley. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The owners have tried to keep everything their customers loved about Fettle – meaning brunch is very much still a thing here, in a nod to the space’s old cafe credentials. This means that you don't just have to order a main meal, but a sweet treat and a hot drink too.
Previous desserts have included the passion fruit tart with praline and iced vanilla, affogato, or the house tiramisu – listed as a “Ms Sue with Mr Blacks coffee liqueur', but there's an ever-changing offering of cakes and other freshly baked treats to choose from.
The chocolate tea is a unique option that the rest of Leeds is yet to uncover and can be served as a post-dinner drink or the ideal complimentary dish to a hearty brunch meal.
Arriving in a loose leaf tea pot with a wooden strainer, the owners are experts in their tea and guide you through the process of collecting the woody leaves in the pot to pouring it into your teacup.
Chocolate tea. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Likewise, any menu item can be paired with plenty of wine options and guests are encouraged to speak to staff about how they can make their lunch a special occasion by introducing a glass of red or white to the table.
From 4.30pm Wednesday - Saturday, a dinnertime menu is served and this is where the true rebranding of sophisticated Scandi dining can be witnessed first-hand.
Expect all the same as your lunch service: knowledgable staff, fresh ingredients and delectable dishes with a focus on flavour, plus some exciting new dishes all served during the dinnertime sitting.
If you're looking for an intimate dining spot, whatever meal of the day, that serves up healthy but hearty dishes, we really can't think of a better spot.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."