Matt Healy x The Foundry restaurant announces permanent closure

The MasterChef The Professionals Finalist revealed that Matt Healy x The Foundry site in Holbeck will not reopen.

Healy, 36, from Horsforth, said this was due to the financial pressures caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Announcing the news on Instagram, the chef said: "2020 has been hard for hospitality, especially for independent restaurants like ours.

"We’re beyond proud of the work we did in the first lockdown with the NHS. In July, we reopened with reduced capacity, then reduced hours, then within the tier system.

"One thing after another, and then a second lockdown."

He added: "Over the last few weeks and months, we’ve had some really difficult decisions to make.

"Regretfully we’ve come to the conclusion that we need to cease trading.

"We’re so thankful to everyone that has supported us from the very beginning.

"Even before we opened our doors in 2018, we felt the love and support.

"After a chance meeting with an old friend, we made a dream become a reality.

"We’ve had nearly three wonderful years at The Foundry.

"It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later. Here’s to 2021."

Healy opened Matt Healy x The Foundry in 2018 and it was soon named best newcomer in Yorkshire and best place for a Sunday dinner.

During the first national lockdown, Healy and his staff decided to use their kitchen to help boost morale among the city's NHS frontline workers.

In March, his team cooked a batch of roast dinners -and delivered them to staff on the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of Bexley Wing, St James' Hospital along with flowers.

At the time, Healy said: "Front line workers for the NHS have their plates full, now more than ever, so we want to do something to say we appreciate all the incredibly hard work they’re putting in.”

The team then began a fundraiser so they could keep providing the meals - raising more than £11,000.

Healy is also the owner of Grön Kafe in Oakwood and recently expanded to open another site in Low Petergate in York.

The vegan and vegetarian Scandi-inspired cafe recently announced it would open a third site in Harrogate.

It will officially open in 2021.

Healy also took over the reins at The Beehive at Thorner in 2019.

However, he stepped back from the restaurant in March 2020.

A message on the pub's Facebook page at the time said: "“It’s been a pleasure to get The Beehive back up and running again.

"It’s a piece of history when it comes to the Leeds pub scene and I’m happy we’ve been able to give it another lease of life.

"But it’s now time to let the team take the full reigns as I step back, along with my business partner Marc Cunliffe, to focus on Matt Healy x The Foundry and our on-going Grön Kafés expansion across the North.

Matt added: “You don’t know what’s around the corner and we may work together again in the future. I wish The Beehive every success and will be popping in for a pint or two.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.