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.”
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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.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/OWT
