It is not always roses when out reviewing. I had looked forward to visiting The Beehive X in Thorner near Leeds since I heard of its opening. Chef-owner Matt Healy has been making something of a name for himself in recent times, and the Beehive X is his third opening in the past year or so. I am not sure at what point it started to fall apart, but things didn’t start well, went up and down, the highs when they came were great but sadly, so overshadowed by the falls.
Should I have waited longer to visit? Some would say yes, but I say no. Once those doors are open and they are taking their customer’s hard-earned money, then deliver. Sorry, that’s the way it is.
The Beehive X, Yorkshire Post, August 31st 2019
I don’t watch MasterChef; the format bores the pants off me. If that is tantamount to treason from a food critic and former chef, I apologise. So, no I didn’t watch Leeds-born chef Matt Healy’s runner-up honour in 2016 or Marcus Wearing eulogising about his sauce. I know though that Matt has merit. He worked with Simon Shaw, one of my favourite chefs and owner of the fabulous El Gato in Manchester (opening in Leeds soon).
There has been much talk of his success at Matt Healy x The Foundry, in Leeds’ South Bank area, and Grön Kafe in Oakwood, both opened in the past year.
Now he has added a third venue to his portfolio, taking over the Beehive pub in the desirable village of Thorner, north of Leeds. With a £180,000 refurbishment, the Beehive X reopened last month and I was a little bit excited to try his food and see what all the hype is.
We came in at the back down some slightly grubby steps from the car park and thereby missed the gloriously colourful murals in the entrance. It was easy to see where the money has gone here, it’s a smart refit, quirky but not flash. There is a dark snug area and lots of brick and industrialisation around the bar. Beehive motifs are everywhere, and there are two airy dining rooms with great seating … read on for the full review.
Food 3/5
Welcome 2/5
Atmosphere 3/5
Prices 3/5
The Beehive X, 83 Main Street, Thorner, Leeds LS14 3DE, telephone 0113 289 3555. Food times: Tuesday to Saturday, lunch 12-3pm, dinner 5-9pm. The bar is open longer.
More reviews from Elaine Lemm
Image copyright Photo © Bruce Rollinson, Yorkshire Post