Call Lane has been home to Arts for nearly 25 years, and in that time this independent restaurant has gained an enviable reputation on which the new owners aim to build.
There’s an excellent chance that they will achieve this, because Simon Turner’s arrival marks his departure, after a four year tenure, from another of Leeds respected eateries, The Reliance, where he acquired his ethic of using sustainable, seasonal and local produce. Simon says:
“I consider it a true opportunity to take Arts forward and promote good food. I’ve known Arts since moving to Leeds 18 years ago, and always enjoyed the feel it had. It’s been known as one of those “go to” places for food. When I saw an advert for a Head Chef at an independent City Centre restaurant (which are few and far between!) I jumped at the opportunity.
I don’t want to change Arts; I’d just like to evolve Arts. I want to keep that bistro dining everyone knows, and bring locally-sourced meats and produce to the table. I’m not saying we don’t travel the world with our dishes, because to me a British bistro is a melting pot of cuisines, and we need to embrace the flavours and styles that are all around us.”
The new owners are Matt, Steve and Stu of New Citizens, who are right behind Simon in their determination to develop, update and improve, whilst maintaining the bistro menu alongside its art focus.
The new menu will be available from 28 June. For more info visit the website here.
Feature photograph by Ben Bentley.
