The dining scenes in both cities have dramatically transformed in the last year or so. JLife discovers some of the latest eateries.
Leeds
Leeds city centre’s culinary scene continues to thrive with great new dining spots and future eateries in the pipeline.
Pieminister
After acquiring a setting close to the Corn Exchange and opening its doors for business just a matter of months ago, Pieminister has been presenting British baking at its best. The launch marks the family-run company’s 10th outing and is the furthest North from its origins in Bristol. Made in-house using delicious ingredients encased in two unique pastries, there are a range of pie fillings to whet your appetite, from classic favourites to healthy versions. Visit Pieminister.co.uk.
Pintura
Frequent visitors to Trinity Leeds may have noticed an exciting new addition to the vicinity – the bar and restaurant, Pintura. Inspired by the food-crazed Basque culture, and specifically, the San Sebastian region, the eatery combines traditional recipes and artisan ingredients with bold and modern flavours.
Visit Pinturakitchen.co.uk.
Revolución de Cuba
More and more, unique cultures are spearheading the inspiration behind Leeds’ dining offering – and Revolución de Cuba, with its fusion of flavours from Spain, Mexico, and South America, is certainly no exception. The Latin American rum bar and restaurant, which already boasts bustling locations in Manchester and Sheffield, is set to launch at the former Baracoa Luxe Bar site in the coming months.
Visit Revoluciondecuba.com.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist attracts a regular raft of clientele to its Trinity Leeds base. And hot on the heels of its popularity, the establishment is rolling out a brand new branch on Greek Street. Expect the food menu to encompass The Alchemist favourites, such as the sticky beef salad and the special fried chicken in a basket.
Visit Thealchemist.uk.com.
Manchester
The following restaurants are up for Newcomer of the Year award at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival taking place from 10th – 21st September. It seems only right to find out about what these shortlisted eateries have to offer.
Hawksmoor
Independent London steak restaurant group Hawksmoor sparked plenty of interest when it opened up on Deansgate in February. Its two-week soft-launch period offered diners 50 per cent off their bills, with half of Manchester desperate to get in.
Visit Thehawksmoor.com/locations/Manchester.
Iberica
Launched in March with Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano at the helm, this Spanish restaurant was a lavish new addition to Spinningfields with glamorous interiors and a large outdoor terrace area.
Visit Ibericarestaurants.com.
Brassica Grill
Heaton Moor’s Brassica Grill serves a range of foods including succulent steaks and grills to modern British cuisine, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients where possible. Paul Faulkner, company director and chef made his name at former Urbis restaurant The Modern, where he won restaurant of the year in 2009.
Visit Brassicagrill.com.
Tariff and Dale
Using its location for its title, this new bar and restaurant, on the corner of Tariff Street and Dale Street in the Northern Quarter only opened in May, but fast won acclaim. Diners can feast on bespoke boards, sourdough pizzas and weekly specials.
Visit Tariffanddale.com.