Weekender: Vegan ‘chicken’ pop-up flies in to Leeds

Knave’s Kitchen, a comfort food pop-up, is bringing its menu of vegan fried ‘chicken’ and plant-based junk food to the diners of Leeds at rock & roll bar Oporto this spring.

Launching from March 29, Knave’s Kitchen will take over Oporto’s newly refurbished second room where it will serve its 100% vegan menu, which replaces meat with a substitute called seitan, a plant-based protein, as well as tofu alternatives and onion bhaji burgers.

The vegan menu features comfort dishes and deep fried delights that include curries, burgers and even a ‘Mill Hill’ kebab inspired by Leeds’ infamous after-hours eatery.

Customers can eat in, take away or order via Deliveroo.

Oporto has undergone a refurbishment which will see the bar re-launch on March 29 with new interiors, drinks menu and food offering.

Paul Lane, director at Leelex which owns Oporto, Neon Cactus and Jake’s Bar, said: “The myth that vegan food is boring and flavourless has been pretty firmly debunked over the last couple of years. Knave’s Kitchen is here to challenge that old misconception even further with its unique style of vegan food.

“There won’t be a kale leaf or lentil in sight. Customers can expect 100% junk food with a menu of everyone’s favourite comfort dishes such as kebabs, curries and burgers. In fact, we’re confident we can win over even the most die-hard carnivores and vegan-sceptics.

“In addition to the launch of Knave’s Kitchen, it’s an exciting time for Oporto with a new drinks menu and interiors while retaining the rock & roll antics that we are known for.”