The owners announced the news on Instagram this morning.
Serving up some of the finest fried chicken in Leeds, Yard & Coop has been a firm Merrion Street favourite since opening their doors three years ago.
The restaurant has noted that they need to take time to "reassess costs", and sadly they aren't the first to closure their doors amidst the soaring cost of living and resources.
The well-respected chicken joint has brought us some of the most imaginative flavours around. From fried chicken afternoon tea to ice cream chicken burgers and a Veganuary collab with Temple of Seitan- and that's without mention of their infamous twelve inch Massive Cock burger.
Last week, Italian pizza al taglio and bottomless brunch favourites Simpatico announced that the rent costs in Leeds city centre, amongst other increase in costs, forced them to close up, and Leeds' first vegan restaurant Meat Is Dead made a similar statement recently too.
For those desperate for a Yard & Coop fix, you'll still be able to grab a bite of their northern-renowned fried chicken goodness until Saturday, but after this, you'll have to journey to Yard and Coop's restaurants in Manchester and Liverpool.
Announcing the news this morning, the owners published the following message on Instagram:
"After 3 years of slinging chicken in Merrion Street it is with a heavy heart that we have decided that Saturday will be the last day to get our fried chicken goodness in Leeds.
"We’ve made so many friends and loyal customers over the years but we just need to pause and reassess all the costs thrown at us.
"Our team mean the world to us and we are so sad to be closing our doors. Please come say goodbye to these lovely people this week. We thank you all for your support and are already working on new concepts so watch this space.
"Manchester and Liverpool will be open as usual. Sending love."
The post has since received hundreds of likes and comments, sharing support with heartfelt replies like "But I haven’t tried everything on the menu yet" and "his is the venue that hosts our monthly Hot Ones challenges - we would like to say how lovely they have been to work with, from Ryan, Shan and everyone, we have created so many magical memories for the Hot Ones contestants...It's hard on the high street right now - let's support our #indiebusiness".
The restaurant only announced its new bottomless menu a few weeks ago. / Image: Yard & Coop
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Sophie Smith -
27th July 2022 
