Sandy Jarvis and Sam Pullman have launched the platform to bring together Leeds’ independent restaurants, pubs and bars.
Sandy Jarvis of Horsforth bistro Bavette, alongside Sam Pullman of The Highland Laddie and The
Empire Cafe, have announced the launch of The Leeds Hospitality Collective – a new initiative
designed to bring together independent restaurant, pub, and bar owners across Leeds. The collective
will create an open platform for knowledge sharing and discussion, with a focus on peer-to-peer
support of local hospitality talent and business owners, to strengthen the City’s hospitality community.
The much-loved neighbourhood bistro, Bavette, has attracted widespread acclaim since opening, earning accolades including the Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurant, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and glowing reviews from The Sunday Times and FT. Newly opened The Highland Laddie has received top reviews from the FT and The Telegraph as well as being named Britain’s Best Pub in The Good Food Guide 2025, while the much loved The Empire Cafe has received strong recognition following a positive review in The Guardian. With 40 years’ combined experience, the duo are now entering a new chapter in their hospitality careers, using their experience to offer counsel and champion emerging restaurateurs or chefs, as well as making valuable introductions to strengthen Leeds’ hospitality network.
At a time when the industry continues to face ongoing challenges, the initiative will bring independent operators together to foster open conversations and discuss practical ways to support one another. The collective will provide a space to share knowledge, address operational challenges and develop a stronger collective voice for a dialogue with local and national governments on how best to support the industry.
Mentorship will be a central pillar, providing a platform for experienced operators and managers to support emerging talent. From launching new openings and business development to navigating investment, leasing, recruitment and menu development, members will be encouraged to share knowledge and practical expertise. By investing in people through guidance and communal support, the initiative aims to promote hospitality as a rewarding and inspiring long-term career. The collective will provide a dedicated platform to champion the exceptional work taking place across Leeds’ hospitality sector, raising its profile both locally and nationally. By showcasing Leeds’ talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, the initiative aims to attract greater attention, investment, and visitors to the City
The Leeds Hospitality Collective is inviting independent operators to register their interest via Bavette’s or The Highland Laddie’s instagram pages ahead of an inaugural meeting. Details of the meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sandy Jarvis, Head Chef of Bavette: “Leeds has a really exciting hospitality scene which is so supportive of each other. As such, we wanted to create a space for the owners of these venues to come together, share ideas and support each other in a more structured way. We want Leeds to be more outward looking, too; the Leeds personality is to crack on and work hard rather than shout about yourself, but maybe a bit more self-promotion is needed and with pride say to the rest of the country ‘Look at us and all the great places here in Leeds.”
Sam Pullman, owner of The Highland Laddie and The Empire Cafe: “Leeds has an incredibly strong independent hospitality scene, full of talent, creativity and resilience. We want to shout about that more – not just within the City, but nationally. By coming together, we can strengthen the hospitality landscape that already exists and continue its growth.”
Main image: Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton outside the Highland Laddie.
