There's a new Scandi-style restaurant in Leeds that we've got our eye for brunch, lunch and probably dinner too.
From the team behind Fettle comes a new opening, Fint. Housed in the same space as its predecessor on Leeds' leafy Great George street, the owners have rebranded following a period of closure - and we're really excited to see them back, albeit in a new guise.
Inside Flint, formerly known as Fettle, which has reopened following a period of closure / Image: Fint
Fettle was known and loved for its understated, laid-back cafe-meets-restaurant vibe, and whilst the space has reemerged with a new name it seems that its overall aesthetic still holds up. The difference? There's now more of a restaurant focus.
That said, the owners have tried to keep everything their customers loved about Fettle - meaning brunch is very much still a thing here, in a nod to the space's old cafe credentials.
On the brunch menu there's plenty for vegans as well as carnivores, with dishes like the vegan benedict sitting proudly alongside a braised duck benedict and pain perdu - a pan-fried dish of spiced maple custard-dipped sourdough, strawberry compote and vegan vanilla ice cream.
The vegan benedict at Fint, comprised of a crumpet topped with crushed peas, roasted golden beetroot, smoked tofu and vegan hollandaise / Image: Fint
As for lunch, dishes like 'strangle the priest' (a nod to the hand-twisted Italian pasta, strozzapreti) promise the ultimate light summer plate of pasta, combining charred broccoli, courgette and lemon with mint, mace and hazelnuts.
Elsewhere, other tempting midday options on the brunch menu include their warm cannellini bean salad and sweet potato gnocchi, which comes served with seed cream, crushed peas, rocket oil and garden pesto. If you ask the team, they'll be more than happy to recommend a good wine to pair with it from their list too.
An ever-popular choice in the day, Fint also serves an evening menu from Thursday to Saturday starting from 4.30 pm - offering up some gorgeous-looking dishes, like their beurre noisette haddock, that use the very best locally sourced produce the owners can get their hands on.
Priced at two courses for £25, with additional courses just £5 more, the evening menu offers brilliant value for the quality of food on offer.
With starters like oak roasted salmon with cauliflower cream and broad beans, and miso aubergine served with almonds and a cherry tomato marmalade, anyone heading down is in for a real treat.
Mains, meanwhile, include a vegan-friendly portobello mushroom kiev and a braised duck leg dish served with preserved blackberries, celeriac gratin and crushed peas for the ultimate indulgence.
As for dessert? Think passion fruit tart with praline and iced vanilla, affogato, or the house tiramisu - listed as a "Ms Sue with Mr Blacks coffee liqueur.' Yum.
Fint's passion fruit tart with praline and iced vanilla / Image: Fint
Sharing the news of the change on their website prior to their reopening last month, owners Simon and Kamil wrote:
"After a long consideration, the last 17 months left us with only one option and that was to close Fettle and create something new."We’re sure you’ll love what we’ve created in Fettle’s place. You can still find us at 73 Great George Street," they added.
Fint is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am. Go down and show them some love - you won't be disappointed.
We're almost half way through the year, so let's see what else we've got to look forward to...spoiler alert, it's a lot.
So far we've had everything from ice bath cafes to listening bars open up in Leeds, and it seems like 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving.
Allow us to get you excited about what's coming to the city...
Dishoom
68–78 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one is a biggun' as the ever so popular Indian restaurant is set to open this August in a beautiful Grade-II listed building on Vicar Lane which was formerly Flannels.
First opening in London, Dishoom now has restaurants dotted all over the UK including a huge site in Manchester. The group is famed for its lavish and grand interiors, as well as its home-style curries, grills and breakfasts including its legendary bacon naans.
Acai and the Tribe
88 Vicar Lane
Image: The Manc Group
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
This Japanese restaurant serves a menu full of sushi as well as grilled meats on sticks, sharing sides and build-your-own hand rolls. All of this is wrapped up in the most gorgeous interior, which you can see from their jaw dropping new Manchester site.
Occupying the Grade II-listed space on Vicar Lane, the three-storey building will include a 220-cover dining room, 30-cover terrace and an upstairs bar.
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat. Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June.
Okay, this one might not be happening this year...but we still had to mention it so please forgive us.
Trinity Leeds is embarking on a major transformation with a £15 million expansion, introducing a second food court called ‘Freight Island’ The upgrade will add around 72,000 sq ft of new space, including a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking City Square the perfect spot to enjoy great food with skyline views.
Featured images - The Manc Group
News
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
Clementine Hall
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Georgina Pellant -
26th August 2021 
