After a successful year of pop-ups and residencies in and around the city centre, the Dijon Boys have sadly announced they will be stopping all operations.
We first heard of the Dijon Boys almost a year ago to this day, tucked away inside a cosy cocktail bar in the heart of Meanwood, the team of three were cooking up a storm and making a tasty name for themselves.
With ever-changing specials and a considered menu of seafood, meat dishes, veggie options and dessert small plates, their food soon became a hit and we'd return time and time again to see what delicious forkfuls they'd be serving.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
At just 22 years old, the trio of chefs were showcasing a new way of dining and their showstopping flavours meant they were serving to busy tables full of hungry punters night in, night out.
From their residency at Number 8 cocktails to pop-ups at city centre favourites such as Watermark, Roland's and Shears Yard - they have gone from strength to strength and have gained a loyal fanbase who will flock to whatever kitchen they're dominating.
But sadly, all good things must come to an end and announcing to Instagram last night, Tuesday 3 October, the Dijon Boys will be stopping all operations as of Monday 16 October.
The post read: "A bittersweet end…Our amazing journey as the dijonboys is unfortunately coming to an end. It is with a lot of sadness but excitement for the next chapter we will be completely stopping all operations from October 16th.
"We want to keep this short and sweet and just say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us a long the way. We’ve made the most amazing memories and met a lot of great people who have inspired us and made our journey extra special...I’m sure we will be back but for now farewell."
The post was inundated with good luck and farewell messages, wishing the Dijon Boys good luck in their upcoming endeavours whatever they may be.
The Dijon Boys will be missed by Leeds' food scene, but we're positive this won't be the last we hear from them.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
4th October 2023 
