Award winning chef set to shake up the Leeds food scene

One of the city’s most unique cafes and retail spaces is extending its opening hours to relaunch as a night spot.

On Thursday June 15, The Collective will debut its late-night offering as chef Craig Rogan promises diners an eight course menu.

Rogan, the son of renowned chef Simon Rogan, has had an illustrious career so far, with a string of achievements to his name. After training and working in some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants (L’enclume, Fera at Claridges and Manchester House), he received three AA rosettes in his first head chef role at 5-star hotel The Grand in York.

Taking himself out of his comfort zone, he turned his talents to creating an experimental pop-up event in York named Radix, with each event selling out.

After joining Dakota Leeds back in 2019 where he works to this day as executive head chef.

Now in his spare time, he has been working with The Collective to create an exclusive evening of dining.

He said: “’Teaming up with Dale and his team has already been a blast and is shaping up to be something truly special. The Collective has got drama and atmosphere aplenty, making it the perfect night spot to indulge in some inventive cooking and fine wines.’’

“I can’t wait to get started and unveil our first full 8-course tasting menu, which has been infused with some incredible ingredients and flavour combinations. I’m excited to see the reaction.’’

Dale Wynter, founder of The Collective, said: “’Having built a loyal following over the past two years, the time felt right to take The Collective up a notch with a unique late-night offering. Guests can expect some of the finest cocktails in the city thanks to our hook-up with the brilliant Hacien tequila, as well as some amazing cheese and charcuterie.’

‘’And I couldn’t be more excited by our pop-up dining events, which will keep things fresh with an ever-changing range of innovative tasting menus. Craig has blown me away on many occasions with his culinary talents and I’m confident our customers will love the dishes he’s created for us.’’

‘’The Collective has got all the right ingredients to become one of the city’s best drinking and dining spots and launch day couldn’t come soon enough. Watch this space for more details, it’s going to be big.’’