Restaurateurs launch Leeds Hospitality Collective to champion independent sector
‘Leeds has an incredibly strong independent hospitality scene, full of talent, creativity and resilience’
A group of high-profile restaurateurs has banded together to launch the Leeds Hospitality Collective, a new initiative designed to bring together the city’s independent restaurant, pub and bar owners.
The collective has been launched by Sam Pullan, co-owner of The Highland Laddie and Empire Cafe, and Sandy Jarvis, chef and co-owner of Bavette. It aims to foster greater collaboration across the sector and help make Leeds “the strongest, most exciting hospitality scene it can be”.
“Leeds has a really exciting hospitality scene which is so supportive of one another,” said Jarvis. “We wanted to create a space for venue owners to come together, share ideas and support each other in a more structured way.
“We also want Leeds to be more outward-looking. The Leeds personality is to crack on and work hard rather than shout about yourself, but perhaps a bit more self-promotion is needed. We should proudly say to the rest of the country: ‘Look at us and all the great places here in Leeds.’”
At a time when the hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges, the collective will provide an open platform for sharing knowledge and ideas, with a focus on peer-to-peer support among local businesses to strengthen Leeds’ hospitality community.
A central pillar of the initiative is mentorship, with experienced operators and managers supporting emerging talent on everything from new openings and business development to investment, leasing and recruitment.
“Leeds has an incredibly strong independent hospitality scene, full of talent, creativity and resilience,” added Pullan. “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 to build on its success.”
Independent operators and hospitality businesses are invited to register their interest via Bavette’s or The Highland Laddie’s Instagram pages ahead of an inaugural meeting. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.