Celebrated Leeds restaurant The Owl is going back to its roots to give diners the chance to dive into new flavours and taste experiences with a renewed focus on bold, flavoursome cooking from chef patron and founder, Elizabeth Cottam.
The Owl was first established by Elizabeth in Leeds Kirkgate Market in 2019. It was her second restaurant venture in the city, following the launch of fine dining venue Home in 2017. In 2022 The Owl relocated to its current home in Mustard Wharf where it boasts a relaxed and comfortable dining room with stunning waterside views.
Following the closure of Home in 2024, Elizabeth is now turning her attention to The Owl to bring back the refined but cosy food vibes reminiscent of its much-loved days in Leeds market.
The canalside venue has launched several exciting new menus including a new ‘Guinea Pig’ night, alongside a new main menu, to give customers the chance to try something completely original.
The Guinea Pig menu features a selection of dishes that aren’t revealed in advance, meaning each diner gets to try a variety of surprise plates. Food is designed to share, with a focus on experimentation and an ever-changing format so guests will never get the same experience twice.
In addition to the Guinea Pig menu, a new relaxed main menu will now change regularly and feature hearty, yet elevated dishes that are fun, comforting and ridiculously tasty. Guests can choose from a two, three or seven course option, accompanied by an extensive wine list and mouthwatering creative cocktails.
Elizabeth said: “When Home closed, many people asked me what was next. The one thing I knew was that whatever I did next, it would be centered around pared-back, soulful cooking, the kind of food that makes me really happy.
“This year we’re placing ingredients and accessible dining at the heart of everything we’re doing at The Owl, but that doesn’t mean that our creativity is taking a back seat. The restaurant landscape has definitely evolved, but it hasn’t completely changed either. Our menus reflect this evolution, offering a way to enjoy great cooking, quality ingredients, and vibrant flavours every day – not just for special occasions.
“Our Guinea Pig nights are a great way to test new dishes, but it’s also about connecting with our wonderful regular guests and having a lot of fun. These nights are all about surprises but it’s very much a creative process in progress. We love experimenting with new dishes and making sure that our menus stay fresh and exciting.”
Renowned for high-quality yet relaxed dining, The Owl prides itself on delivering the best food experience with meticulous attention to detail. Ingredients including heritage slow grown vegetables and fruits, sustainable seafood and native rare breed meats are sourced from the best of British fine food specialists and local producers ensuring that everything is fresh and sustainable.
Alongside the new main menus, a chef’s tasting menu is still available for those looking for something extra special and there’s a weekend brunch menu perfect for relaxed get togethers. Sundays are reserved for hearty and delicious roasts with all the trimmings and lashings of gravy!
Elizabeth added: “We’re super committed to an ever-changing menu at The Owl, whether it’s brunch, lunch, dinner or a Sunday roast and all our new menus are about celebrating high quality, local ingredients.
“Our food is for people who want and appreciate exceptional taste and service, in a relaxed and welcoming environment and these new menus have something for all appetites and occasions.
The feedback so far has been fantastic, and we are seeing lots of customers returning regularly to try different things.”
The Owl is open from Wednesday – Sundays. The Guinea Pig night is priced at £39 per person with a wine pairing option for an additional £39. For further information on all menus or to book a table visit www.theowl.co.uk.
Address: The Owl, Lockside, Mustard Approach, Mustard Wharf, Leeds LS1 4EY
