Hospitality duo return to city with shared dining concept

Award-winning chef Lee Murdoch and hospitality entrepreneur John Quinlan are returning to Leeds to open a restaurant in Leeds city centre this month.

Farrands opens on Swinegate on “leap day”, 29 February.

Murdoch and Quinlan are well known on the food and hospitality scene in Leeds having worked at local institution Crafthouse and Angelica before opening a successful “luxury local” pub Three’s A Crowd on the Stray in Harrogate last year.

Situated opposite the Leeds Malmaison, their newest venture will hold 48 covers and features a veranda for an inside/outside dining experience.

Creating 20 jobs, the hospitality team has been handpicked to offer an exclusive front of house service in a relaxed environment.

Quinlan said: “Farrands is all about quality and we have curated a team around us, all with a five-star background, to deliver this in an intimate yet casual setting.

“We’re glad to be back in Leeds and looking forward to opening our doors in the most exciting district in the city just a stone’s throw from Channel Four’s new headquarters.”

Murdoch established his career at the five-star Turnberry Resort Hotel, winning the Award of Excellence from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and then went on to work in Malta and Abu Dhabi before coming to Leeds.

He said: “The menu will change often based on the seasonal ingredients available, we are all about having the best quality sharing small plates paired with the finest wine and cocktails.

“As a chef, this is the perfect opportunity to be creative and I know the people of Leeds will embrace the opportunity to share, socialise and enjoy.”