The highly anticipated new all-day drink and dining venue is very close to opening, and now we're getting a sneak peek of what to expect.
The masterminds behind one of Leeds' most beloved pubs, Whitelock's Ale House, are bringing to the city White Cloth Hall, a brand new food and drink hall.
Based at White Cloth Hall (obviously), the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city’s newest dining hot spots, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
They've been chipping away behind the scenes for almost a year now, and now it's starting to get very real as the first three resident kitchens have been announced.
Images: Supplied
First up, the legends at Pizza Loco are bringing a new venture - Morty's Focacceria, a new exclusive pizza and slice bar that we can't wait to get our chops around.
Next up, Headingley gem Kuala Lumpar Cafe will be bringing their bold Malaysian flavours to the city centre. Expect colourful and flavourful Nasi Lemak, Rendang curries, Roti Canai and so much more.
Last but no means least, Whitelock's will be bringing their new venture Lupton's Chop House to the hall.
Images: Supplied
Inspired by the Victorian chop houses of all, this new grill and oyster bar we will be celebrating provenance and quality with interesting cuts of meat and the very freshest seafood.
The name is a nod to another Victorian classic - the legendary John Lupton Whitelock was the first Licensee of Whitelock’s in the late 1800s, and the man who gave Whitelock’s its current name, and so it really is the perfect fit.
Images: Supplied
Our bellies are already rumbling, and until they open their doors we'll be waiting on tenterhooks for any further announcements.
To keep an eye out for yourself, take a look at White Cloth Hall's instagram page.
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 -
15th August 2024 
