Masterchef contestant Matt Healey has opened a new Leeds restaurant, bringing 'Michelin-star' service to diners in Horsforth.
"Or come with friends for a selection of supreme small plates, Yorkshire meats, cheeses and an outstanding selection of fine wines from around the world."
It opened its doors at The Forde on Town Street this week on Tuesday 7 December 2021 - however, there is currently no menu available on the website.
Still, by reputation alone, we expect it is worth a visit. Healey, after all, has made quite a mark on the Leeds food scene with his ‘food to swear by’ brand.
inside The Forde ahead of its opening this Tuesday / Image: The Forde
His previous restaurant, Matt Healy X The Foundry, earned itself a place in the Good Food Guide and a 2020 Michelin Plate.
Praised by The Guardian food critic Jay Rayner with the utterance of "Bloody hell, that’s good” over the steak tartare, (only he didn't say "bloody" or "hell"), you can't get a much higher endorsement than that.
Of course, that was during a visit to the Foundry in 2019 - but, by the looks of things, there are a number of dish similarities over in Horsforth to keep existing fans happy.
Image: The Forde
A message on The Forde's website says: "Matt has had the pleasure of working alongside some of the hospitality industry’s finest, some of whom will form part of the Forde team; bringing Michelin star service to Horsforth.
"Come alone and bring your laptop, where you can work alongside us using our free WiFi. We will make sure you're kept topped up with outstanding breakfast and superb coffee.
"Come with family for a spot of lunch and some afternoon cocktails.
The new eatery, housed in the same north Leeds suburb where the chef grew up, is bringing top-tier dishes and high-end service to guests with a menu offering everything from breakfast and brunch to Yorkshire Charcuterie, small plates, local cheese and fine wines.
Opening hours are 8am to 4pm daily. Find out more by visiting the website here.
British comedy legend Jack Whitehall is making a triumphant return to Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena.
He'll be bringing his brand-new stand-up tour Jack Whitehall: Bad Influence to Leeds on Saturday 6 February 2027.
The award-winning comedian is heading back on the road for a huge national arena tour that promises bigger laughs than ever before, so get ready to laugh your socks off.
Fresh from starring in crime thrilller Malice on Prime Video and stepping into the spotlight as host of The BRIT Awards, Jack Whitehall is returning to what he does best - live comedy.
Audiences can expect classic Whitehall awkward storytelling, and quick witted observations that has made him one of the UK’s most loved stand-up comedians.
Bad Influence will showcase brand-new material that has been specifically written for 2027.
Jack Whitehall Bad Influence tour dates:
January 2027
Thursday 7 January – Utilita Arena, Newcastle Saturday 9 January – Co-op Live, Manchester Sunday 10 January – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Tuesday 12 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh Wednesday 13 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh Thursday 14 January – OVO Hydro, Glasgow Saturday 16 January – Utilita Arena, Birmingham Sunday 17 January – Swansea Building Society Arena Wednesday 20 January – Plymouth Arena Thursday 21 January – Plymouth Arena Friday 22 January – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Saturday 23 January – Utilita Arena, Cardiff Thursday 28 January – Brighton Centre Friday 29 January – Brighton Centre Saturday 30 January – The O2, London
Feburary 2027
Tuesday 2 February – BIC, Bournemouth Wednesday 3 February – Utilita Arena, Sheffield Thursday 4 February – Connexin Live, Hull Saturday 6 February – First Direct Arena, Leeds Sunday 7 Feburary – Vaillant Live, Derby
Jack Whitehall tickets at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena are available on general sale on this Friday 20 February at 10am. You can get your tickets HERE.
Female-founded independent jewellery brand to open in Leeds’ Victoria Gate
Clementine Hall
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Georgina Pellant -
8th December 2021 
