The D&D restaurant group has announced it will close Angelica and Crafthouse on 15 December 2024.
Angelica and Crafthouse first opened its doors back in 2013 and has stood proudly above Trinity Leeds shopping centre ever since.
For the past decade it has been a go-to spot for stellar service, well executed food, impressive and impeccable views.
According to D&D restaurant group, the sites are closing due to "economic challenges".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The company, which has restaurants in Manchester, Birmingham, London Paris and New York, closed two of its other restaurants, Issho and East 59th, at Leeds' esteemed Victoria Gate last year.
David Loewi, CEO of the D&D London restaurant and hotel group, said: "After thorough deliberation, D&D London has made the decision to close Angelica & Crafthouse in Leeds on 15th December 2024.
"Since opening the doors in 2013, Angelica & Crafthouse has been a landmark in Leeds' restaurant landscape, offering panoramic skyline views and exceptional dining experiences from the prime location in Trinity Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"This decision follows a comprehensive review of business operations and reflects the ongoing economic challenges facing the hospitality industry, with the long-term success and sustainability of D&D London in mind."
He continued: "The well-being of the greatly valued team at Angelica & Crafthouse remains a priority and D&D London is committed to supporting those affected.
"Despite this change, the group’s outlook remains robust as it concludes a successful period and anticipates exciting opportunities in the coming year, both in the UK and internationally."
A spokesperson for Trinity Leeds said: “We’re sad to see Angelica and Crafthouse go after so many years at Trinity Leeds, and their impact on the city’s dining scene since they arrived over a decade ago will continue for some time to come.
"Taking up such an iconic location at the top of Trinity Leeds, in the heart of the city centre, it’s perhaps no surprise that there’s been interest from brands keen to invest in the space, so we look forward to announcing what’s coming next in the New Year.”
The Good Food Guide has just released its list of the 100 best local restaurants in Britain – and three Leeds spots have made the list.
The latest edition of the Best 100 Local Restaurants list celebrates the very best venues that are loved by their communities.
A team of reviewers and inspectors scour the country to find the best of the best, and this year three restaurants in Leeds have earned themselves a place on the numbered list.
One in particular has been included just three months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield opened in April taking over the old Reliance space on North Street, and it's safe to say they had very big shoes to fill.
But they have done with ease, celebrating Yorkshire produce to a crowd that are overjoyed to see the space being brought back to life.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what the Good Food Guide had to say after awarding The Smithfield with 80th place: "Opening in one of the city’s most hallowed restaurant sites was always going to invite comparison. In its day, the Reliance was a much-loved neighbourhood haunt that became the gateway drug for a generation of Leeds foodies, and a return to its burgundy paint job was a statement of intent from its new owners.
"Head chef James Donovan's CV includes Clerkenwell's Rochelle Canteen, and you don't have to do much dusting to see the Fergus and Margot Henderson's nose-to-tail fingerprints: pig's head, ox heart, hogget, and a meritocratic approach to the menu with produce leading the way – occasionally nudged along by a well-timed dollop of gribiche or a slick of bisque."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Elsewhere on the list, it won't come as a surprise to see that the ever-so-brilliant Bavette has been crowned in 16th place. Described as a "convivial neighbourhood bistro in the northerly suburb of Horsforth" that perfectly exudes a "Franco-Yorkshire alliance".
And lastly for Leeds, the ultra-cool Empire Cafe takes spot 31 where "owners Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton have done a grand job here, rekindling the nostalgia while making the place feel emphatically of the moment, 'high-class yet down-to-earth'."
It's a trio of great wins for Leeds' foodie scene, and you can read the full list here.
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
Clementine Hall
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2024 
