New premises for Leeds’ only Michelin-starred restaurant

The Man Behind the Curtain, Leeds’ only Michelin-starred restaurant, has signed a contract for new premises in the Victoria Gate area of the city.

Town Centre Securities has finalised a 20-year lease for a larger premises in the basement of 68-74 Vicar Lane, including an open kitchen and bar area. The Man Behind the Curtain’s 5,600 sq ft premises, with 60 covers, will open in the autumn.

The original restaurant opened in 2014 and went on to win a Michelin star in 2015.

Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of Town Centre Securities, said: “We are delighted to have finalised this deal to secure brand-new premises for this exceptional Leeds restaurant. The Victoria Gate area of Leeds continues to grow in prominence as a key shopping and eating destination and is the obvious location for The Man Behind the Curtain’s new site.

“We were keen to ensure we could accommodate this outstanding restaurant, and our solicitors, Shulmans LLP, have done a great job to facilitate this.”

Edwina Hewson, partner at Shulmans LLP acting on behalf of TCS, said “It has been really interesting to work on the relocation of this iconic Leeds restaurant. Working with TCS as part of our longstanding professional relationship, we’ve had the rewarding task of handling the commercial property legal work, with my colleague, Jayne Smiles, looking after all the construction documentation. It has been a pleasure playing our part in this development and we look forward to celebrating its success, upon completion.”

Earlier this month TCS announced it had completed a purchase of joint venture shares to take full ownership of Buckley House on Vicar Lane in Leeds.