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."
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Team behind Headrow House and Belgrave to take over and reopen Woodside just one year after opening
Clementine Hall
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
Daisy Jackson -
7th May 2025 
