Why Leeds is now UK’s top food destination

Leeds, which has seen various London restaurants set up shop in the city alongside homegrown venues, is being taken seriously as a top dining destination, according to Olive magazine.

Food writer Tony Naylor, who compiled the ‘cool list’, said: “The recent blossoming of the northern food scene is one of the most significant current trends in UK food.

“Historically, northerners had to travel to London to eat truly modern food but in the last year that’s changed radically.

“Where food and drink are concerned, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester are bouncing.

“You can tell how things have changed by the way hip London brands are now looking to expand here.”

Mr Naylor specifically praised the upcoming opening of London-based Meat Liquor, which is due to open in Leeds later this year.

Christine Hayes, editor of Olive magazine, welcomed the idea that there is a move away from London being the food capital.

She said: “There is a new-found boldness in the UK food scene.

“As we emerge from the longest recession in memory, experimentation and new ideas and launches are coming thick and fast.”

She added: “It is also encouraging that there seems to be a move away from the capital being the centre of gravity. Britain remains at the forefront of an ever-changing food revolution and we should all be proud of our innovative food scene.”