Elizabeth Cottam is returning to The Owl and steering it in a new direction.
First established in Leeds Kirkgate Market back in 2019, The Owl was Elizabeth's second restaurant venture in the city, following the launch of fine dining venue Home in 2017.
The Owl relocated to its current home in Mustard Wharf in 2022, where it boasts stunning relaxed atmosphere with beautiful waterside views.
Following the unfortunate closure of Home last, Elizabeth is now turning her attention back to The Owl bringing it to its former glory days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Owl has launched several new menus including a new ‘Guinea Pig’ night, alongside a new main menu to give customers a taste of something different.
Guests will now be able to choose from a two, three or seven course option, accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Elizabeth said: “When Home closed, many people asked me what was next. The one thing I knew was that whatever I did next, it would be centered around pared-back, soulful cooking, the kind of food that makes me really happy.
“This year we're placing ingredients and accessible dining at the heart of everything we're doing at The Owl, but that doesn't mean that our creativity is taking a back seat. The restaurant landscape has definitely evolved, but it hasn't completely changed either. Our menus reflect this evolution, offering a way to enjoy great cooking, quality ingredients, and vibrant flavours every day - not just for special occasions.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“Our Guinea Pig nights are a great way to test new dishes, but it’s also about connecting with our wonderful regular guests and having a lot of fun. These nights are all about surprises but it's very much a creative process in progress. We love experimenting with new dishes and making sure that our menus stay fresh and exciting.”
The Owl is open from Wednesday - Sunday, The Guinea Pig night is priced at £39 per person with a wine pairing option for an additional £39.
To book your table and to view the menus, take a look at their website.
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this summer.
Ireland’s famous fast food phenomenon, the spice bag, has landed in Leeds Kirkgate Market
Clementine Hall
You can now grab the ultimate hangover cure at our very own Kirkgate Market.
And it comes from none other than The Fisherman's Wife - a Leeds institution that has been serving up fantastic fish and chips for over 60 years.
But now, they're turning their attention to spice bags.
If you have no idea what we're talking about then allow us to fill you in. And we'd recommend pouring yourself an ice cold glass of water, because it's about to get real salty up in here.
The spice bag is an Irish delicacy that is often devoured after a few Guinness on the streets of Dublin, for example.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It consists of shredded and battered chicken, chips, onions and peppers - all deep fried, loaded into a bag and tossed in lashings of salt and pepper seasoning.
Oh, and of course dipped or lathered in a sauce of your choosing. The classic being curry sauce, obviously.
It's been available in Leeds once before at a pop-up in Trinity Kitchen, but now The Fisherman's Wife is here to make them a permanent option for anyone with that salty craving.
You've got a couple of flavours to choose from too, including peri-peri, plain, salt & chilli and of course the classic salt & pepper.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can then add a drizzle of sriracha, curry sauce (obviously) or sticky honey if you're looking for that sweet and salty balance.
The best part? They're selling these for just £6.50.
So next time you've had a few too many the night before, get yourself to The Fisherman's Wife inside Leeds Kirkgate Market's food hall and get yourself a spice bag. You'll be cured in no time.
Clementine Hall -
13th February 2025 
