Michael O’Hare’s The Man Behind The Curtain has closed its doors with plans to relaunch as brand new concept, Psycho Sandbar.
Leeds' only Michelin-stared restaurant, The Man Behind The Curtain, has been paving the way for fine dining in the city for some time now.
Located on Vicar Lane, diners visiting the trendy underground restaurant can expect to embark on an experimental culinary journey consisting of 14 courses which encapsulate all the senses.
With dishes called Sex Wax, Macarons ‘Damien Hirst’ and Dali to Delhi – this isn’t just your average meal out.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But now, The Man Behind The Curtain as we know and love has closed its doors, with its final service complete on New Year's Eve, and now will undergo a complete rebrand to adapt to the current climate.
Introducing 'Psycho Sandbar', a more accessible restaurant with a "surf shacky" feel with brutalist design.
The new venture will serve a "fish heavy" menu and move away from the current tasting menu format that O'Hare is known for.
Announcing the news on Instagram, O'Hare said the decision was made in response to the current restaurant landscape. He said: "Things need to change because the world has changed, I have changed...my team has changed, our outlook. Our ability hasn't, our vision hasn't, but the world has."
The restaurant will still be refined, but in a more accessible way. He added: "You can do six plates and have whole roast duck if you want, we just want to categorise things in a way that's like 'this is the product, that's what we are going to do to it and that's how much it costs' and if you want it - and you really do."
The restaurant will close for a few weeks to transform into Psycho Sandbar, but no dates have been announced as of yet.
"The in comes a new baby," says Michael. "It's the same team, the same building and company - these things don't change. All that is changing is the name, offering and outlook."
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.
Clementine Hall -
24th October 2023 
