The ongoing construction work on Central Road may have claimed another Leeds independent, as Brownhill & Co announces its 'likely' closure.
The news comes just weeks after the beloved Mrs Atha's shut for good, citing the 'two year desecration' of Central Road while Store House opposite (formerly House of Fraser) is redeveloped into a brand new student accommodation.
Family-run bar Brownhill & Co has now said it's faced 'complete radio silence' from its landlords, plus 'thoughtless upheaval' in Leeds city centre, and will 'very likely close' on Monday 6 May.
They said: "We are deeply saddened that our little family business will cease to exist after 10 years of very hard work."
Brownhill & Co added: "It’s been a big ten years & we’ve achieved a hell of a lot, we’re eternally thankful for the support of our incredible customers - many of whom have become great friends.
"We’d also like to convey deep regret to any businesses left out of pocket as a result of our closure, this is something we’ve worked desperately hard on to try and avoid over the last 9-12 months while faced with frankly impossible hurdles. We will continue to strive to find solutions where we can."
In response to Brownhill & Co's lengthy statement - which you can read in full HERE - a Leeds City Council spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear of Brownhill & Co’s decision to close.
Leeds bar Brownhill & Co says it will close due to 'upheaval' construction work on Central Road. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
"The demolition and rebuild of the former House of Fraser building is not a council project and we understand that it is nearing completion, with the student residential element ready for September 2025. However we always endeavour to work with any businesses affected by construction work and offer whatever support we can.
"In this case, since this construction project began, we have been in constant dialogue with businesses on Central Road and the developers, setting up and attending stakeholder meetings to discuss how we could help over the life of the project.
"We do recognise the impact of construction work on local businesses, and we are committed to helping mitigate this wherever and however we can. Business Rates discounts for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure businesses are set nationally by Government."
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991.Â
You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.
But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.
Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.
We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.
And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.
Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.
As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?
More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.
This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years.Â
You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Clementine Hall
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Daisy Jackson -
7th May 2025 
