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.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Danny Jones -
24th January 2025 
