Crafthouse has appointed Simon Jewitt, an award-winning chef from Harrogate, as their new Head Chef.
The busy restaurant has kept us well fed and in awe of their instagram-worthy presentation for a good while, but the introduction of a new Head Chef will be icing on the cake for this picture-perfect eatery.
New Head Chef, Simon Jewitt, will be bringing his award-winning dishes and creative flair to Crafthouse. Previously the chef has earnt two AA rosettes and came runner up in the Observer Food Awards within his first year of appointment at Norse in 2016.
He has also won Oliver Award for the best lunch as Head Chef at The Tannin Level and received glowing reviews from the likes of Jay Raynor and Marina O’Loughlin by pushing the boundaries of fine dining over his career.
Simon Jewitt has over twenty yers of culinary expertise to share with the Crafthouse Team. / Image: Jack Kirwin
Crafthouse are expecting the esteemed chef to continue building his culinary repertoire through their seasonal menu.
"Crafthouse offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the city and I can’t wait to take it to the next level. It’s a pleasure to be working with such a talented team and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together using the best local produce to create interesting and delicious dishes that push the boundaries”.
The dishes at Crafthouse are exquisite and we can't wait to witness the flavours that their new Head Chef will bring. / Image: Jack Kirwin
Zoe Yeoh, General Manager of Crafthouse, is thrilled at the new appointment: “his passion, dedication and incredible expertise reflects perfectly the vision we have for the future of Crafthouse. Having [Simon] in the kitchen will bring a new edge and freshness to the restaurant and we are looking forward to showcasing our new menus to you soon”.
To taste Crafthouse's seasonal British menus, complemented by skyline views across the city from within the restaurant or the exclusive outside terrace, access the restaurant via a scenic lift on Boar Lane. The restaurant can also be found within Trinity Leeds shopping centre, up on the fifth floor.
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Sophie Smith -
18th October 2021 
