Award-winning Leeds gastropub unveils evolution of ‘refined dining’ concept

One of Leeds’ most ‘unique and celebrated’ restaurants is shaking things up with a collection of new menus alongside a revised approach to service.

The Owl, which famously launched its ‘fine dining’ concept in Kirkgate Market to rave reviews back in 2019, will now open to offer brunch as well as a range of more affordable dining options.

Specialising in modern British cuisine crafted using locally sourced ingredients, the Michelin guide listed gastropub has gone from strength-to-strength since moving to its Lockside Mustard Wharf venue last summer. With its latest evolution, care has been taken to bring back the accessibility of its Kirkstall Market incarnation.

The venue’s new plates will feature “surprising” ingredients and flavour combinations as well as contemporary twists on classic dishes. For the first time, guests will now be able to visit the restaurant for brunch at weekends, where they can enjoy a more refined approach to a selection of breakfast classics.

The Owl Full English includes home cured treacle bacon, rare breed pork sausage, herbie mushrooms, scrambled eggs, butter fried, scrambled eggs, homemade brown sauce and crispy potato terrine.

Elsewhere on the menu, the divine Duck Waffle channels an American-style pig-out and serves up crispy confit duck leg from Levin Farm with a malt waffle, maple and chilli sauce and fried duck egg.

On the new lunch and dinner menu, small plates include Baked Native Oyster with seasonal garnish, and Buttered Sourdough Crumpet with Whitby crab and apple, to unusual options such as the Beef and Oyster Sausage with onion marmalade and turnip puree.

Independent brewery Northern Monk is also making a welcome return to the gastropub bar. Their team are currently collaborating closely with The Owl to create a special ale exclusive to the new Lockside venue and will be offering two guest beers in the meantime.

The Owl kitchen will continue to be led by Chef and Co-Founder Mark Owens, who has earned his stripes in several Michelin starred restaurants including Lavroche, The Star and The Box Tree.

Award winning chef and founder Elizabeth Cottam commented: “We’re reclaiming our Kirkgate Market vibes with a brand-new menu that is both creative to keep our loyal customers entertained and accessible to allow everyone to spend more time with us enjoying our food.

“Our opening times are changing too to allow people to enjoy our brightly lit Canalside gastrobar for brunch as well as lunch and dinner.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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