Leeds has suffered yet another gutting loss as OWT restaurant has closed its doors for good after six-and-a-half years.
Starting out in Kirkgate Market before relocating to the Corn Exchange and then taking over the legendary old Corner Cafe site on Burley Road back in November 2023, this beloved canteen-turned-mini-bistro garnered a passionate local following.
Receiving countless positive reviews for the ever-changing menus, the small but regularly rotating dishes were always top-notch and the expansion not only into a bigger space but evening service was no easy feat for this small team.
Sadly, after well over half a decade of building their local reputation and brand, James and Esther confirmed that the restaurant has closed with seemingly immediate effect, posting a lengthy and understandably emotional statement.
Sharing a page for each year they've been in business, the husband and wife duo's goodbye message begins: "After six-and-a-half-years delighting you with James' menus and my French sassiness, we've decided to put an end to our chapter in Leeds.
"We have been following our hearts since 2018 and do not wish to put our physical and mental health through more hospitality-related hurdles.
"We welcomed thousands of you in three different locations tirelessly trying to make it look effortless. Sometimes the simplest concepts are the hardest. Providing top quality in a clean and cool environment takes a lot. We are very proud we lasted this long.
"A few years ago our mate Mike gifted us a print that says: everything is easy, if you want to do it badly". It was never easy at OWT, but boy was it done well!"
They go on to explain that they are now looking to enjoy a "softer pace of life" and spend more time together as a couple - and who could argue with that?
You can find the farewell in full above; it's truly touching and as Esther wrote in the caption, "Comments on this post are disabled as I am not ready for the digital wave tonight! Send us a message or an email if you want to catch up, I will reply once ready."
It goes without saying that we encourage you not just to read their moving words but do go ahead and send them some love and support if you've ever been lucky enough to eat their wonderful food. They deserve it.
Whether it was James' crowd-pleasing chicken, mash and gravy or a simple toastie, this place never missed or slumped on the quality.
OWT might have closed but Leeds will always have the memories and we hope this isn't goodbye from James and Esther forever. Merci.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Danny Jones -
24th January 2025 
