My latest review of the Owl Leeds took me on a nostalgic trip back to Kirkgate Market. Throughout my childhood, mum and I went to the market almost every week and it is years since I was there. Was a wonderful surprise it was to find it the same in many aspects and much changed in others.
The Owl, Leeds From the Yorkshire Post November 2019 Pictures by James Hardisty.
I must admit to a great fondness for Kirkgate Market. As a Leeds lass myself, “the market”was a weekly destination with my mum and various aunties. We would shop, visit a cafe and always drop in at Stringer’s, to return and buy books. For those who may remember returning the book, you got back 50 per cent of the original cost back. So, to be going to review a new pub and restaurant on the Fish and Game Row was nothing less than exciting and hugely nostalgic.
The Owl is a new concept for Kirkgate and extra special as, in 150 years, there has never been a pub within the market. Plus, this is the second venture in Leeds for Liz Cottam and Mark Owens, of the nearby highly acclaimed Home restaurant. They are working in collaboration with renowned Leeds brewery Northern Monk; a genius move given they share similar values and ambitions.
In a matter of months, they took over four units and turned them into the taproom-style bar and dining room. It is a dark, brooding place, which is so fitting in what is the oldest part of the market. We snuggled down near the open kitchen, with our table in the thick of things and a view of the even busier taproom where there’s a splendid range of craft beers and a brief list of carefully selected wines on tap from Home’s wine list.
The Owl, Fish and Game Row, Kirkgate Market, Leeds LS2 7DT.
Email write@theowlleeds.co.uk.
Lunch for two with a beer and one glass of Spanish Gewürztraminer Albiar, £59.50.
Food 5/5
Welcome 4/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Prices 5/5