HOME on the move – Relocation key to a bigger future

One of Leeds’ most acclaimed restaurants is set to relocate.

Leaving their treasured Kirkgate locale after four years, HOME is developing the ethos of the restaurant and their new approach to relaxed, informal dining with a change of scenery.

Owner and Head Chef Elizabeth Cottam says: 

“The time has come to be bold with our decisions. We have had some amazing times on Kirkgate, but we have outgrown the restaurant and think it’s time to continue this new chapter in a space that really suits who we are and what we do. Kirkgate is a troubled street in Leeds; one which has so much promise, but after 4 + years we aren’t seeing the promised improvements.”  

As with everything that Liz Cottam does, the time scale for this relocation and re-opening is quick – they should be in their new HOME this Autumn. 

The Grass is Greener…

Liz isn’t ready to announce the exact address of HOME’s ‘new home’ just yet, but can confirm that the new venue was chosen for its proximity to nature. HOME will therefore be set in the fringes of nature which intrude into the edge of the city centre; somewhere near to the river and to the Aire Park development.

HOME and The Owl

2020 began as the biggest year for Liz Cottam’s flagship restaurant HOME, and the newly opened gastro pub and dining room in Kirkgate Market, The Owl. Overseen by business partner Mark Owens, The Owl has made a significant impact on the UK food scene in the short time it has been open, and plans were in motion to open the space above it to launch an experimental Oyster Loft just before lockdown hit. These plans will be revisited as soon as they are once again possible.

Liz’s focus has always been on evolving HOME, which is due to celebrate its 4th  birthday in August. When the pair decided to divide their time between the two restaurants, she set to work carving out a new identity for the food. Lockdown allowed for plans to be finalised and refined and the restaurant reopens on July 31st with a menu of brand new dishes. 

Meanwhile, Mark has been busy at The Owl, launching a ‘finish at home’ offering, with three different 4 course set menus available to pre-order, which can be delivered or collected. Every menu has sold out since the launch, and with demand increasing week by week it is likely the ‘finish at home’ offering may continue beyond lockdown. The Owl are also set to launch a new range of merchandise featuring The Owl’s mascot, Eric.

Bookings can be made on the HOME website – https://www.homeleeds.co.uk/