Plans to transform a Grade II listed building into a high-end restaurant and club on East Parade have been approved by Leeds City Council.
Formerly hosting OK Karaoke, The Garage Club and La Rambla tapas restaurant, the huge building has been left derelict for several years, but it is hoped that the latest approval will bring the building back to life.
The plans are to keep the building's heritage features whilst full refurbishing to bring a contemporary edge to the classic design.
The standout features will include a curved glazed canopy and stunning light concepts as part of their 'sensitive modernisation'.
It is unclear at present what the name of the restaurant or club will be, or whether the building will be sold onto an existing chain.
The Grade II building formerly hosted OK Karaoke but will be renovated to feature a glamorous restaurant and basement nightclub. / Image: British Listed Buildings
According to The Move Market, the building was originally bought for £1.4 million in November 2019, before the pandemic.
Since this time, the property has decreased in value by £120,000 but still remains the most expensive property in its postcode.
East Parade has plenty of office and hospitality space up for sale at present. / Image: Savills
Buyers Mayfair Investment Group originally planned to deliver a mixed use scheme with leisure space on the lower floors plus either residential apartments or a serviced office scheme on the upper levels, but these plans have now been extended to include a hospitality venue.
Reports state that the building will host a high-end restaurant with a rooftop terrace and outdoor dining space and separate nightclub in the basement.
The upper floors will also house office space, accessed through a new entrance of Park Cross Street.
Originally, the Grade II building is thought to have housed the Mayor of Leeds in 1757, despite signage suggesting the three-storey house was established in 1840.
The plans for the re-development were commended by the Leeds Civic Society for their Heritage Appraisal, suggesting the building will be an exciting architectural addition to East Parade.
The venue has been described as 'game changing' and 'prestigious' by the owners and we can't wait to see the end result.
Feature Image- British Listed Buildings
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National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
Sophie Smith -
19th October 2021 
