A popular restaurant in Chapel Allerton has announced its closure with immediate effect, leaving local fans of its Malaysian cooking feeling gutted.
Dapur Malaysia's owner Valerie shared the news via an Instagram post on the business's Instagram page last week, writing that things had been difficult ever since the restaurant first opened in 2019.
Between mandated closures as a result of the pandemic and the rising cost of living, she said that running the business had been 'tough' and, whilst always being 'up for a challenge', her struggle to hold things together at the Leeds eatery had taken 'a toll on family life'.
As a result, she said that, whilst it saddened her to close the restaurant, she is 'relieved that it is over'.
Fortunately, it's not all bad news. The restaurant, opened in memory of owner Valerie's mum, will continue on in other forms.
She will be reopening Dapur Malaysia, on a much smaller scale, in her hometown Huddersfield and continuing to offer local takeaways as well as nationwide deliveries of her award-winning ready meals.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
Valerie also revealed that she will return in May 2023 with a planned stint at Trinity Kitchen, so Leeds fans will also be able to get their hands on her cooking then.
The full statement read: "I am sorry to inform you that our Leeds restaurant is closed with immediate effect.
"Since we opened our restaurant in August 2019, we have faced some challenging circumstances. We have been forced to shut or trade under some form of restrictions for approximately half that time. Unfortunately, the price rises across the board this year have made it impossible to continue trading as a restaurant.
"I opened the restaurant in memory of my Mum and found it comforting recreating the food I grew up with. I loved sharing these with all our patrons, the pandemic however showed us where our strengths lay, our takeaway and our Great Taste award-winning ready meal range will be our focus moving forward.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
"We are reopening in Huddersfield (where we live) all be it on a much smaller scale in the next few weeks so you can still order ready meals range with nationwide delivery from www.dapurathom.com as well as outside catering.
"On a personal note, it saddens me to have to close the restaurant, but I am also relieved that it is over. I’ve always been up for a challenge, but it’s been tough for me and my husband to hold it all together this last year and it has taken a toll on our family life.
"I would like to thank all our staff past and present particularly Tomasz, Mark and Genti who have stayed with us from the beginning. Their loyalty, hard work, sense of humour and kindness has made it enjoyable to come into work. I will miss all of them and our chats and jokes.
"Lastly many thanks to the Chapel Allerton community who warmly welcomed us and all our customers who have supported us from the time we opened. It was an honour to be able to share the food I love with you. We will be back in Leeds in May at Trinity Kitchen where we hope to see you.
"With love, Valerie."
Comments have flooded in thick and fast as followers reacted to the news, with one person saying: "Hold your head high Valerie! Your beautiful food, the Dapur Malaysia brand & all it stands for, lives on! The new takeaway spot brings an exciting new addition to Huddersfield! 👏 Wishing you all the best xx"
Another person said: "So sad to see you guys go! We’ve loved having you as neighbours ❤️"
A third added: "Heartbroken, we love your food and the ethos behind your business. Good luck for everything in the future ❤️"
A fourth said: "So sorry to hear you were dealing with such behind-the-scenes issues! All the very best in Hudd x"
If you would like to support Dapur Malaysia, you can order their Dapur At Home ready meals online via their website here.
Feature image - Dapur Malaysia
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Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2022 
