Hospitality heavy hitters behind Santiago and Mojo have opened a new, movie-themed bar in Upper Briggate.
Called Grindhouse Bar, inside table lamps light up original film cells, film soundtracks play on a loop, and there is - of course - a big screen showing house favorites on repeat.
Initially due to open in May 2020, it's been a long time coming - but now we're finally able to sit inside and enjoy a drink and some locally sourced grub in silver screen style.
The brainchild of Dave Holmes (founder of Santiago) and Paul Handley (previously Santiago and Mojo), the pair came up with the idea for a movie-inspired venue after a few beers.
Sitting between Wax Bar and North Bar in the Northern Quarter, close to Leeds Grand Theatre, the pair have some good relationships with local suppliers.
Glazed and Confused Donuts at Grindhouse, Leeds
They will be sourcing locally as possible, working with contacts at Leeds Markets, North Star Coffee, Northern Monk, and Leeds-based Glazed and Confused Donuts.
Dave said: "We didn’t settle on the film idea to be the first of its kind, it was just something we both wanted to do. We both love film – Paul’s a John Carpenter fan and I love the Zombie genre - it just made sense for us to do it!”
“We shortlisted a few film-themed names, but Grindhouse was an instant favourite; the history of Grindhouse films and theatres, and the general coffee connection – it feels right.”
The food offering at Grindhouse caters to all diets and is available to enjoy from 9am to 5pm daily, starting with breakfast burritos.
After 5, the only food available will be Frito Pie - a delicacy from Austin, Texas that impressed Paul on a visit there a few years back.
“It’s just a packet of crisps (‘Fritos’ in Texas), sliced open, add a big dollop of homemade chilli, chopped onions, cheese, and jalapeños – mix it all up and you’re good to go.”
Go on, then.
Grindhouse will be open Mon to Thurs (9am to midnight),Friday and Saturday (9am to 1am) and Sunday (11am to midnight). Dogs are welcome.
Eats
The Sheffield sausage shop reinventing the humble sausage with ever-changing flavours
Forget what you know about sausages, because Piper's Sheffield is changing the game.
There's no denying that us Brits love a good sausage.
It's a porky staple that crops up in our diet in numerous forms: sausage and mash, sausage rolls, sausage sandwiches - their versatility is truly inspiring.
But there's one person who loves them more than most, and that's the lovely Nick from Piper's Artisan Sausage.
Images: The Sheff
Located in Crosspool, Piper's is a sort of butchers/deli that specialise in, well, sausages.
They have an ever-changing menu of bangers that are inspired by recipes and flavours from across the globe.
From a roasted butternut squash sausage and a Vietnamese Nem Muong to a pepperoni pizza-inspired sausage, you'll never want to eat a Cumberland ever again.
They even stock a selection of veggie sausages so no one has to miss out on the sausage party (sorry, I had to).
Images: The Sheff
You can buy the sausages raw to take home, perfect for barbecue season if you ask us.
But they also make their own sausage rolls, sandwiches, sauces and plenty more, all using ingredients prepared in-house.
Nick and Libby also smoke their own ham in the back and make their own lasagna which is basically famous at this point, if you're not feeling sausages that day.
So if you're looking to stock up for your next BBQ or after trying something different with your mash, all whilst supporting a local business, then Piper's is the spot for you.
They're stocking high quality products unlike anything you'll find in a supermarket, and we're very lucky to have them here in our city.
An award-winning Leeds restaurant is now serving sandwiches from a street-side hatch
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' top restaurants has unveiled a brand-new concept brilliantly named 'Here Comes The Bun'.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is about as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
Back when they were located on North Street in the city centre, to survive during the dreaded lockdown they opened up a sandwich concept named 'Here Comes The Bun' (what a name by the way).
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The concept was simple, serving up delicious hot takeaway sandwiches all served in pillowy potato rolls made in-house.
And now the concept is back and better than ever, as Here Comes The Bun is now operating from a street-side hatch just moments away from their restaurant.
There's some core staple items as well as rotating specials meaning you'll be back week after week to find your favourite.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On the core menu you'll find an absolutely stellar brekkie bun powerful enough to wipe out any hangover, and of course your classic fried chicken burger which is crispy, juicy and just downright perfect.
On our visit, the specials included a lamb merguez roll with a sausage patty, harissa mayo, chermoula and slaw as well as a chicken fried steak roll with country gravy.
Whatever the specials are, just know that they'll be absolutely class.
They're currently open every Friday and Sunday, and all you have to do is order via their website, turn up at the hatch, ring the bell and collect your buns. And as if by magic, you'll be treated to the best sandwich you've ever eaten.
Georgina Pellant -
19th May 2021 
