Opening officially on Monday 30 October 2023, Blue Pavilion is set to bring together century-old traditions and combine with modern flavours for a what has been dubbed an 'unforgettable foodie experience'.
Blue Pavilion has been in the works for quite some time. Having first advertised its opening well over twelve months ago, the restaurant is now ready to open to the public, having poured £3 million into the Merrion Centre restaurant space.
From the owners of Japanese dining experience Blue Sakura, Blue Pavilion hopes to build on its raving reviews from foodies across the city and expanding its offering with a menu packed with Chinese culinary favourites.
Images: Supplied
Whilst the menu hasn't yet been released, hints have been dropped that both the A La Carte and set menus will offer a "rich tapestry of flavours, textures, and aromas that reflect the diverse regional cuisines of China".
The drinks menu also includes a range of fine wines, including Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan 1996, premium cocktails like the Jiuzhaigou Hu, a combination of Roku, Aperitif Wine, Blue Curacao, Lemon, and Bitters.
There will be three private rooms in addition to the restaurant space, for more formal occasions, all of which adjoins K-CUBE, the latest karaoke bar to open in the city.
Opening back in July, the karaoke bars has space for up to 65 guests with each room able to take on 6, 8, 10 or 20 ‘aspiring rockstars’ at a time.
Image: Supplied
Speaking about the opening of Blue Pavilion, Director, Jack Lin said: "We are excited to announce the official opening date of Blue Pavilion in Leeds. We can't wait to welcome guests to our beautiful venue and provide them with an unmatched experience.”
Chiu Tong Huang, Director at Blue Pavilion, added: "Our team has worked tirelessly to create a truly unique dining and entertainment experience that showcases the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine and the joy of karaoke.”
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Blue Pavilion will open from Monday 30 October 2023, booking are now live and can be made on the Blue Pavilion website here.
Feature Image - Supplied
Eats
The cult sandwich shop that’s been serving Leeds students since 1994
Whether you're a student or not, Bakery 164 is a Leeds staple.
And you really can't miss it either.
Standing proudly opposite the Parkinson Steps on the corner of Woodhouse Lane, their bright yellow and red canopy lures you in if the inviting smell of fresh bread hasn't already.
They've been serving the students of Leeds since 1994, and are known for their specialist sandwiches that won't break the bank.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On a lunchtime you'll have to join the queue of hungry students looking to get their fix, but it's well worth the wait.
The bread is what they do best, every evening they hand mix and hand shape their ciabatta and focaccia dough, which is then baked overnight so it’s fresh out of the ovens in the morning.
Then come the fillings, at Bakery 164 they specialise in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, using seasonal ingredients and local produce wherever possible.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Signature sandwiches include grilled chicken, halloumi and bacon with chilli mayo, prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto and sun-dried tomato as well as meatballs and mozzarella with Reggae Reggae sauce.
A price for a sandwich comes in at around a fiver, and they easily wipe the floor with any meal deal sarnie you can grab from a supermarket round the corner.
Just choose your sandwich, take it to the till and they'll warm it up for you there and then at no extra cost.
And it's not just sandwiches, they've also got fresh coffee on offer to keep you going between lectures as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats.
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
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.
Sophie Smith -
19th October 2023 
