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."
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
24th October 2023 
