Cut & Craft: Leeds steak restaurant to undergo ambitious £1.2m renovation that would double offering
A steak and champagne restaurant in Leeds is set to double in size as it gets set to undergo an ambitious £1.2m renovation.
The Cut & Craft will expand its site at Victoria Leeds with the addition of a cocktail bar and lounge area serving cocktails, champagne, elevated bar snacks and a "quintessentially British" afternoon tea.
The bar will also feature a dedicated stage on the ground floor to cater for late-evening entertainment and live music from Thursdays to Sundays, transforming the existing venue into a space with seating for 370 covers.
The existing restaurant will remain open to trade throughout the duration of the construction, with completion and opening of the new bar slated for spring 2026.
The work will see the venue expand into the former Paul Smith store and pay homage to the historic Collinson’s Café, which used to be based at the spot. Access to the cafe’s former balcony, where Titanic bandleader Walter Hartley once performed, will be integrated within the new space.
Darioush Shahidi, operations director at The Cut & Craft, added: "Since opening in 2022, our journey in Leeds has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we're thrilled to reveal plans for a dedicated cocktail bar in the city we love.
“Leeds has embraced us from day one, and this new space will let us give something back, through exceptional cocktails, elevated bar snacks, intimate private dining spaces, and a vibrant line-up of curated live entertainment.
"We can't wait to welcome guests to a space designed for unforgettable nights out in the heart of the city."
The grade II-listed building's period features, including its glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar, will remain within the existing restaurant, with the addition of two private dining rooms on the first floor, as well as the new bar area.
The private dining rooms can operate independently or can be combined to create a larger space, capable of hosting up to 40 covers seated or more than 100 standing.
The extension is due for competition in late spring 2026.
Rachel Bradburn, leasing director at Victoria Leeds, said: "The Cut & Craft has been instrumental in strengthening our F&B offer at Victoria Leeds, demonstrating the value of supporting independent operators with strong growth potential. This latest investment reflects the continued confidence leading brands place in Victoria Leeds as a flagship destination."