The founders of HOME restaurant have signed a deal with Kirkgate Market which will bring new food concepts to the old market hall.
Mark Owens, who retained a Michelin star for The Box Tree in Ilkley, joined forces with Liz Cottan to open HOME in the City Centre just two years ago.
Liz said: “Mum and dad owned spit-and-sawdust pubs around Leeds in the 1980s, and we’d shop at the market almost every day. It was thriving and buzzing back then, and was very much part of my childhood. It was no frills, but good quality. Some products were artisanal, some mass-produced. It was almost like an early version of Aldi. But then supermarkets happened, convincing us to buy pretty food in out-of-town stores. It was sad to see it decline. But, thank God, people are now learning more about produce, becoming aware of the choices they are making, and being more discerning. I think it’s about time our markets got back to their former glory.”
So – Mark and Liz will launch four very different foodie concepts in the Market this year, aimed at attracting everyone, whether from their existing fine dining customer base, or Market regulars – and those who have yet to set foot inside a place much loved by those who know it.
There’ll be chef’s table experiences, takeaway lunches for office workers, informal nibbles, crab pie, coffee……and one concept which will be a solo venture of Liz’s, soon to be announced. The other developments will also be revealed soon.
The first venture, however, will be Mark and Liz’s The Owl. This will be located in Fish & Game Row, which runs alongside Butcher’s Row and is the oldest part of the market building. Inspiration for the name was taken from the stone-carved owls which can still be seen in the arches above.
The Owl is to be a gastropub, offering fine wines on tap and collaborating with Northern Monk. The food emphasis will be on fish and game.
Liz is obviously thrilled by the prospect of bringing renewed dynamism to a favourite place: I’m extremely passionate about my region, my City and my market. For me the market is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. There’s nowhere like Yorkshire – it’s the most inspiring place. I’ve always thought that. I just don’t want to be anywhere else!”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment, Leeds City Council said:
“We are thrilled that Liz Cottam has chosen Leeds Kirkgate Market as the location for her new venture. Our market is a hub for food lovers, from the wide variety of fresh ingredients to the expanse of exciting street food. This new concept will only enhance the current offer and will be a fantastic new addition to the market.”
Photographs provided by Chapter 81.
