A new restaurant is opening inside the newly-opened social and co-working space Department by Leeds Docks.
Called Fearns, the new social dining concept got its name from the small parcel of land, known locally as Fearns Island, nearby to its home in Department. The land will house an allotment for the kitchen team to grow seasonal produce, herbs, and flora in the coming months.
Headed up by Jade Crawley, former Head Chef at The Tetley Bar and Kitchen and Eat Your Greens, the new foodie spot promises a brand new sustainable hospitality process that centres around local produce.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Fearns will be a new destination for every meal. The menu comes has been strewn together using Yorkshire ingredients, taking creative influence from kitchens across Europe.
Image: Supplied / Fearns
Think Yorkshire squeaky cheese and Longley Farm butter to create dishes like crispy oyster mushrooms with sage, polenta and a confit garlic sauce, and pulled lamb flatbread, pomegranate, celeriac, pea and marinated summer vegetables, made with a family recipe from Jade’s childhood.
Dinner here is designed around socialising so it's a real chance to explore the menu and order a range of small and larger plates to share amongst friends.
Wash it all down with a pint of Kirkstall Brewery, on draught of course, or choose from a range of organic wines, cocktails and premium soft drinks.
Weekends here will see a rotating selection of local DJs from Released Records, and ending the week with a lazy Sunday roast and board game with room for the whole family (and the dog) to sprawl out and take the last day of the week in their stride.
Image: Supplied / Fearns
Food wise, Sundays are all about the Yorkshire puds with a twist. Served with a choice of roast beef, pulled lamb shoulder with mint sauce, sausage roast, lemon pepper chicken thighs, seitan roast with mint sauce, or veggies with miso gravy. Add in the hasselback potatoes, spice roasted beetroot and squash, hispi cabbage and house gravy - sounds like we're in for a real treat.
Jade Crawley, Head Chef of Fearns said, “When developing the menus, I wanted to ensure sustainable processes and local produce were at the forefront. The menus are a celebration of all things Yorkshire, with nods to Leeds specifically throughout. It was important that the menus create talking points, from the interesting suppliers we use to the personal recipes I’ve incorporated from family cooking. We are a region with fruitful produce and amazing small businesses on our doorstep, and I am proud to showcase them at Fearns.”
Fearns will also be home to space for two ever-changing retail stores, for local talent to showcase their products through pop-ups. First up is independent wine retailer 2 Many Wines and sustainable clothing brand Commonsense Clothing.
Fearns opens on Friday 19 May 2023 from 7pm, with a launch party with drinks and DJ set from Release Records.
You can find out more, including how to join the launch party on the Fearns website here.
Feature Image - Supplied / Fearns
News
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb
An award-winning burger chain can now open a new branch in a Leeds suburb after plans have been agreed.
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.
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.
Images: The Manc Group
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meandwood 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.
Burgerism's new takeaway will be near the famed Zucco restaurant and The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
The planning officer's report stated that the applicant must give sufficient details of extraction equipment to prevent the odour for people living above.
It read: “The application site relates to a vacant ground floor premises within a parade of three commercial units in a local town centre. Above the premises are three floors of purpose-built self-contained flats.”
A design report by Burgerism read: “The proposal will ensure the continued use of a vacant hot food takeaway and will support the continued viability of the town centre of Meanwood, with an exciting new operator in the market.”
The brand-new Burgerism would employ 15 people from the local area and would serve food between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, so you can get your Burgerism fix.
Trinity Kitchen to undergo £15m expansion creating a one-of-a-kind rooftop food hall destination
Clementine Hall
Trinity Kitchen is about to get a huge revamp with work due to commence in spring.
Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen.
The whopping £15m renovation is aiming to deliver a one-of-a-kind destination food hall experience to Leeds.
The project, which has received planning approval from Leeds City Council, represents Trinity Leeds’ largest single investment since the centre first opened its doors.
The expansion will revitalise a previously unused 15,000 sq ft area above Trinity Kitchen, creating a 63,000 sq ft food and leisure destination that includes a striking new outdoor terrace overlooking City Square.
Image: Supplied
Work will begin late spring and once complete, Freight Island will operate the new food and leisure space.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “Delivering an exceptional visitor experience has always been our top priority here at Trinity Leeds. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has been an exciting and evolving concept, and our new plans will mark its most exciting chapter yet.
"The venue will be transformed into a spectacular multi-level dining, entertainment and dynamic leisure venue, enhanced by additional space and a new terrace to bring the atmosphere outdoors.
“Freight Island will help to elevate our food and drink offering, creating an expansive and immersive venue, with exciting opportunities for new brands and operators to join our thriving community. Together, we will build on Trinity Kitchen’s decade-long success, ensuring it continues to grow its appeal as a best-in-class food and leisure destination.”
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience. We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Freight Island to Trinity Leeds as part of this landmark expansion."
Sophie Smith -
10th May 2023 
