Much-loved Leeds bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as Swine That Dines, has announced a big move to Headingley.
Although it's gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they've been operating out of North Street where it's all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added 'little bit of sunshine'.
But now Swine Bistro is upping and moving to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
We don't have long to wait - they plan to have the doors open in January 2025.
And as for its original North Street site, that will temporarily close at the end of December 2024 for refurbishment and will reopen with a new offer in the new year.
Swine Bistro has been Crowdfunding since July to help fund the move, raising a whopping £42,000 from the community that loves the place so much.
With this new restaurant they'll double their covers to 35, with an additional 12 covers in a private dining room, and still serving their lunch deal of two courses for £18 or three for £22.50.
The seasonal bistro dishes will be paired with wines from Latitude Wines, delicious puddings and the occasional pie.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “We were hugely humbled by the support we had helping us raise the money to fund our next chapter. We are beyond excited about finally moving into a bigger restaurant with a kitchen that has space we can actually move in!
“Headingley is a vibrant suburb full of brilliant independent bars, restaurants, cafes and shops and we’re proud to be joining them.
"Rest assured, we won’t be fundamentally changing our menu, but the new space allows us to be more creative with our dishes as well as offer a fuller wine list, and even cocktails. We can’t wait to welcome people into our new home."
Stu Myers, Executive Chef at Swine Bistro said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Kirsty to our team and working collaboratively to develop unique and exciting dishes that tantalise our guests’ taste buds.”
The Swine Bistro will open in Headingley in January 2025.
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Edge's Pizza said: "Well there’s good reason for our silence over the last few months, (planning permission pending) we’ve got a home! Seven months of looking and we’ve learnt so much on this journey already, from investment that didn’t work out, to dodgy buildings not fit for purpose. We’ve got there in the end.
"All that to say, we pride ourselves on perfection and wouldn’t settle for anything less. We hope this will be worth the wait, and that you’ll support us on this next huge step. We are terrified to say the least, but we’re also so excited and immensely grateful to you our lovely customers for this opportunity."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This would be great news for Leeds, as their pizza is something unlike anything we have in the city at the moment.
Forget the floppy, Neapolitan-slices that you fold before shoving in your gob. These slices are satisfyingly thin, perfectly crispy and just downright delicious.
We would love to welcome Edges Pizza to the city and we'll keep you updated with the progress. You can bet we'll be the first to order.