Stylish café and cocktail bar is latest arrival at mixed use scheme

Leeds-based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities (TCS) has welcomed a new concept to its Vicar Lane scheme between Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate in Leeds city centre.

Café and Aperitivo cocktail bar, Tabula Rasa, has opened phase one on the ground floor of its new 2,124 sq ft venue on 8 Eastgate.

Phase two, which will include the extensively refurbished original brick basement, is expected to open in due course.

The premises, which has overall capacity for up to 55 guests, is the latest to join a growing list of high-end operators at the flagship scheme, which includes Michelin star restaurant The Man behind the Curtain, luxury designer fashion brand Flannels and Hairitage barber shop.

With a series of ongoing opening events planned, Tabula Rasa is owned and managed by Filippos Filippopoulos, who has rich experience within the hospitality sector in both the UK and Greece.

Charles Newman, associate director at TCS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tabula Rasa to our Vicar Lane scheme which further enhances the high-end offer for our customers.

“Our prominent location between the established Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate brings with it discerning shoppers looking for high quality establishments, and we are confident the new café and Aperitivo Cocktail bar will prove appealing to this clientele.“

Filippopoulos added: “We selected this site due to its prime city centre location in Leeds with a high footfall pedestrian area.

“Close to the popular Victoria Gate and John Lewis, as well as having many other high-quality retailers nearby, we felt the addition of a hub where people can grab a coffee and a pastry whilst shopping, as well as enjoy fine drinks, champagne, cocktails and an extensive food menu including sharing platters and charcuterie boards on an evening is a great addition to the neighbourhood.

“Our close proximity to Leeds’ Kirkgate Market has meant Tabula Rasa has already been able to engage in supporting local businesses to source our ingredients and we look forward to establishing relationships with other regional suppliers moving forward.”

Two units now remain available on Vicar Lane, including 88 Vicar Lane (1,670 sq ft) and 80 Vicar Lane (1,840 sq ft).  Fox Lloyd Jones acted on behalf of TCS on the trio of lettings.