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
News
England World Cup semi-final to be shown at Leeds’ Millennium Square as giant fanzone announced
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2022 
