The news comes just weeks after winning a spot on the prestigious Top 50 Bar Awards.
Much loved bar space The Hedonist announced over the weekend that the bar would be closing its doors on Briggate so that the company could focus efforts on their many ongoing projects and sister companies.
Following on from the original success of The Hedonist Project, the company has continued to bring Leeds an ever-changing concept bar, where every few months the space would be transformed to focus on a new character, drinks or design.
The cocktail bar has been popular amongst locals looking to get away from the city lights and find cosy corners to while the night away, cocktail in hand for quite some time, so the absence of the bar is sure to be noticed on a Friday night.
But it's not all bad news.
The Hedonist, also play a huge roll in Leeds' drinks scene outside of the bar and sister companies Liquor Studios Leeds and Rolling Social Events, who host Leeds Rum and Whisky Fest amongst other exciting events, will continue to thrive within the city centre and beyond.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Hedonist will also exist within a events and consultancy business capacity, bringing the standout cocktail combinations loved across the city and beyond - and plan to reopen The Hedonist as a bar "when the time is right".
The news was announced on Friday afternoon, with a full statement on Instagram.
Image: The Hedonist
"This isn't goodbye, merely see you later.
"Our doors are closed & we have ceased trading (in this venue at least) forever!
"We would like to thank all of those who have graced our venue & shared a drink and laugh with us over the years. Friendships and relationships have been forged across the bar that will last forever. You know who you are.
"We have made the decision to focus our attention on these projects for the immediate future & plan to reopen The Hedonist in a new venue when the time is right.
"So don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Keep your eyes peeled for when we return.
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991.
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.
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.
Sophie Smith -
13th March 2023 
