MorMor will be taking over the kitchen at Kino from Wednesday 14 September 2022.
The announcement comes after the success of Kino X MorMor supper club, where diners had their first opportunity to taste test Levantine dishes aplenty.
MorMor is the first kitchen residency to be announced by Kino, and is likely to impress customers with its inventive menu, serving up light dishes like Soft Shell Crab, Chicken Shish Tawook with Grilled Lombardi and Grilled Aubergine with Date & Dukkah Crumb and Tahini Yoghurt.
The popular Leeds foodie stop specialises in Levantine cuisine. / Image: MorMor
Hugo Monypenny of MorMor is delighted with the takeover: "The pop-up last month was incredible. After being in fields and working events, it was great to be back in a full sized kitchen once again, where the food can fully shine.
"We can’t wait to take over the kitchen again from 14th September. Thank you so much to the Kino team for putting so much trust in us.
"What can you expect? From the rack of lamb to whole mackerel with daily specials, we suggest you keep your eyes on social media for our menu.”
The new space at Opera North opened just a few weeks ago, offering an exciting insight into Leeds' rich cinematic history.
Since opening, the Grade II-listed building and has since become a popular spot for those searching for carefully-considered food and drink with a seriously swoon-worthy architectural design.
The careful restoration project has been years in the making, but now houses cheese, charcuterie and wines from local suppliers, as well as exciting collaborative projects with some of Leeds most exciting foodie names.
Kino, meaning cinema, has been lovingly built from the rubble of a former-derelict cinema space, and now hosts an impressive kitchen area, intimately lit bar area and three-tiered seating space complete with soft greys and blues, terrazzo table-tops, and a stunning tiled bar.
Inside Kino. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The restaurant has also announced an exciting range of themed event nights, all centred around cheese. Each featuring three cheese boards with selections by Chapel Allerton’s award-winning George & Joseph, the three nights will see either wine, beer or gin paired with the renowned cheesemonger's favourites for a night of pure foodie luxury.
Taking place on Wednesday 10 August 2022, Leeds’ independent wine merchant Latitude will take over the drinks selections, whilst the following week on Wednesday 17 August, Kino is partnering up with Kirkstall Brewery for a craft beer evening.
Rounding off the events before MorMor take over the kitchens, Masons and Fever-Tree will be showcasing their alcoholic treats with a cheese and gin night on Wednesday 7 September 2022.
Richard Mantle, General Director at Opera North comments: “Following a hugely successful pop-up event, we are thrilled to welcome MorMor for the first kitchen residency at Kino from September, extending the restaurant’s dining offer with their vibrant and contemporary Levantine-inspired dishes.
"We are also looking forward to welcoming visitors to the restaurant over the coming months to enjoy special tasting events with our fantastic local partners at George & Joseph, pairing delicious cheese and charcuterie with the best wine, beer or gin.”
For more information, including how to book a table at any of the cheese events or during MorMor's takeover in September, visit the Kino website.
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Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
3rd August 2022 
