Liz Cottam’s Owl is on the move to new Leeds riverside location

Fresh from a pair of wins at the prestigious Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards, a stint on BBC2’s Great British Menu, and Michelin guide mentions for her ventures HOME and CORA, Liz Cottam has had an incredibly busy start to 2022. And now the chef and restauranter’s year is set to get even busier as her other restaurant Owl is to undergo an exciting new challenge.  

After two years in its iconic Leeds Kirkgate Market home, where it became the market’s first ever gastro pub, Owl is on the move. Currently residing in the former site of founder Liz Cottam’s other venture HOME on Kirkgate on a temporary basis, Owl is preparing for a new chapter. From next month, the restaurant will set up shop in a brand new riverside location at Leeds’ Mustard Wharf development.

From 27th May, Owl will be setting up permanently at Lockside, a picturesque location by the canal, just minutes away from Leeds train station. The new location will reflect the traditional heritage of Leeds with the new, modern development of the city’s South Bank. The new restaurant will be roughly twice the size of its previous market home, including an outdoor terrace, allowing more opportunity for diners to enjoy Owl’s outstanding menu which has received incredible reviews from customers and critics alike since it first opened its doors in 2019.

The Mustard Wharf location promises the start of big things for Owl, which will serve up its signature selection of gastro pub inspired dishes focussed around premium seasonal produce from an enigmatic new riverside home.

Led by head chef Mark Owens, Owl has recently launched its spring menus which feature an eclectic mix of traditional British staples and an array of unique tasting courses and experiences. Local produce is of particular importance, with picks such as North Sea cod, aged Yorkshire duck terrine and Yorkshire rhubarb sitting across the dinner, lunch, bar and Sunday menus.  

The decision to move Owl from its original location was made after the team decided that they were outgrowing the market and that the space was not fit for their ambitious visions for the restaurant. Where HOME, Liz Cottam’s first restaurant, has already settled nicely away from Kirkgate and into its new home in Leeds’ Brewery Place, Owl’s journey to its new location has been long-awaited and highly anticipated.

Elizabeth Cottam said: “We can’t wait to move into Owl’s new forever home. We’ve been working really hard to find the right spot for Owl and we’re delighted to say that we’ve found it. To be part of the exciting new Mustard Wharf development is an honour, it’s such a great new asset for Leeds and you can feel a real buzz in the air. Expect lots of light, picturesque views, and even some outdoor space! We’ve found the perfect spot to guzzle down some oysters and champagne on those sunny days and cosy evenings, al fresco style! All whilst gazing at the wonderful city skyline, right on the water’s edge on our terrace.”

As one final celebratory hurrah for Owl at Kirkgate, the restaurant will be hosting one of their special Wine & Dine events on Thursday 5th May. Six courses made up of British seasonal ingredients and flavours will be paired with wine and stories. Expect bread, snacks, oysters, charcuterie and an unforgettable evening. The night will be priced at £100 per person.

Owl’s last service at Kirkgate will be on 21st May before reopening at Mustard Wharf on 28th May. Bookings are now open for the first weekend at Mustard Wharf. 

Address: Owl, Lockside, Mustard Approach, LS1 4EY

Website: https://www.theowlleeds.co.uk/