Ryan's Kitchen has long been a Kirkstall favourite for Jamaican food but it wasn't until the pandemic that locals were able to appreciate the true authenticity of Ryan's dishes.
Ryan Simpson of Ryan's Kitchen has perfected the art of fine cuisine after leaving the army and starting his own catering business.
The small restaurant opened on Kirkstall Road over four years ago but "demand went through the roof during lockdown" as many customers made Ryan's Kitchen takeaway a weekend ritual after sampling a range of Caribbean dishes from the restaurant.
Founder Ryan Simpson has a long history of cooking delicious Caribbean food for family and friends before starting his venture.
Growing up, the ex-Army chef cooked a three course dinner every week with his siblings and was inspired by his parent's cooking style to perfect his recipes.
After leaving the army in 2004, Ryan moved to Leeds and worked in a call centre.
Moving in with like-minded foodies encouraged the chef to adapt to his secret recipes to mouthwatering successes.
He began selling his meals to co-workers and eventually set up as a mobile catering business.
Spiced, not spicy is his mantra and the menu shows that there is no absence of flavour at his Kirkstall restaurant.
These days, you'll find the chef at his permanent residence on Kirkstall Road, where customers are loyal and the menu, delicious.
The kitchen now operates with takeaway and dine-in available Wednesday to Sunday. / Image: Ryan's Kitchen
Ranked in the top 25 per cent for food in Leeds and a page of glowing five-star reviews on TripAdvisor only demonstrates the variety of cuisine available.
According to TripAdvisor, during lockdown, the restaurant was the must-try place on Kirkstall road:
"As we can't go out much ordered a delivery. What fantastic food! I had heard great recommendations but not tried it before. We had jerk chicken and curried goat. Absolutely delicious. Will definitely be back for more and look forward to the day we can visit the restaurant".
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes on offer and the majority of meals are made gluten-free.
The mock jerk, rice, peas with corn dumplings, slaw and plantain is just one example of how Ryan's menu doesn't compromise on quality.
Vegans agree that it can be particularly difficult to find meat substitutes that are still flavoursome, but reviewers on vegan critic site Happy Cow, say that these dishes are perfect for anyone looking for authentic Jamaican food at a reasonable price.
For more information about this must-try restaurant, visit Ryan's Kitchen website or wander down to their restaurant on Kirkstall road.
Please note the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Feature Image- Ryan's Kitchen
Business
The North Leeds Food Festival returns for 2026 and special anniversary edition
The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.
We're getting hungry just thinking about it.
Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.
We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.
Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.
Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.
Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.
Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "We’ve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."
Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...
The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.
It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s
Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".
There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.
Scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 10am and wrapping up on the following (10 May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
Danny Jones
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
In case you haven't heard about the latest hit to the high street. 😢https://t.co/65x9fDNa4c
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
