What’s on: At some of Yorkshire’s newest restaurants

ACROSS Yorkshire restaurants are preparing for the Christmas rush, and there are some tasy ideas coming out of the region.

In York, Caribbean restaurant with 130 covers, Turtle Bay opened, Mojo in Leeds launched its Boilermaker menu and Malmaison celebrated the opening of its new concept restaurant, whilst the Yorkshire Meatball Co. opened up a fresh site in Harrogate.

One inhouse restaurant launched to great aplomb this month was the Chez Mal at Malmaison Leeds.

Our sources say the launch was a rowdy affair, but a late night Dirty Dancing move and a subsequent cocktail calamity didn’t put a dampener on it.

David Eiffert, general manager of Malmaison Leeds spoke to The Weekly about the launch and plans for the future.

He said that having recently been acquired by Fraser Hospitality, they are the first boutique lifestyle brand in their portfolio, and are making big changes.

He said: “The feedback has been excellent, we’ve had an overwhelming response from people who have come to experience Chez Mal first hand.”

But what’s new? Malmaison Leeds has completely refurbished and revamped the bar and restaurant. “What we really wanted to do was refresh it and bring our food and drink offering to the forefront of what we do,” said David. “It’s a really competitive market in Leeds and this was the ideal time to invest in our look.”

“It’s refreshed, we have modern, natural wood finishes, rich leather and neon signs. Everything is in line with our expanded food and beverage offering, and the new craft beers we’ve brought in.

Part of the reason for the refresh was the changing scene in Leeds. David said: “The city has changed so much. I was away for 2 years and the Trinity Centre was one thing that came in that’s really made a different.

“We have a locals and corporate market as well as tourists, leisure market on the weekend, and have been designed to make sure we cater for everyone.”

Private dining spaces corporate dinners and afternoon teas have been included in the revamp, an extended bar area with 20 more seats has expanded the venue, and tastings, drinks showcases and masterclasses are all on the menu at the new Chez Mal.

David said: “We’re so excited to launch Chez Mal and build on great local following.”

TO DRINK: The new Winter Old Fashioned

TO EAT: Steak, how you like it, with Malmaison homemade steak barbecue sauce

The Yorkshire Meatball Co. Photo credit: Andy Garbutt

The Yorkshire Meatball Company opened their Harrogate pop up concept this month. The father and son owners, Gareth and David Atkinson, launched their Beer & Balls event last week, teaming up with Great Heck Brewery to showcase six of their beers.

First up on the menu was a parsley and smoked chorizo fish ball, paired with one of the best beers of the night, a Citra beer using USA Citra hops.

A vegetarian chickpea Fake meatball was also on offer, with three different serving options for veggies. These meatballs wouldn’t go too far wrong on a meat-eaters plate either. It was paired with a intestingly named Black Jesus.

The Yorkshire ball was the let-down of the night, a YMCo beef and pork belly mix, which had a strange texture. Thankfully the Shankar IPA it was paired with saved the day.

The chicken meatballs were subtle, but needed more flavour – we had them in a burger bun but a sauce would be more forgiving.

Smokey, the lamb meatballs, were a piece de resistance, made from Yorkshire texel lamb from Denby Dale farms. Overall one to watch as they grow their offering.

TO DRINK: Citra 4.5% made with hops from the USA

TO EAT: Smokey meatballs, a lamb mix seasoned with smoked paprika