Call Lane stalwart is under new ownership for the first time in 24 years
Arts Cafe, located amidst the city centre hustle and bustle of Call Lane, has now been renamed simply “Arts”, and promises to become a neighbourhood restaurant for the city centre.
The cafe originally opened in September 1994, making it one of Leeds’ original independent cafe bars. Since then, Arts has maintained a reputation built on great tasting food cooked using the finest, freshest local produce - alongside a great wine list and beer selection.
Walls are bedecked in regularly changing artworks by local up-and-coming artists, which contribute towards the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for visiting over lunchtime, for an evening meal, a Sunday Roast or one of the regular events scheduled for 2019.
New Citizens, one of Leeds’ most exciting venue and events companies has taken the reigns as the new owners. Company co-director, Stu Butterworth says, “It’s important to retain Arts’ core values and ensure a strong future for the venue”.
New Citizens are the company behind the massively successful Chow Down events this summer in Halifax’s Piece Hall, as well as Canal Mills event space and their pop-up restaurant, Workshop. Both Stu and co-owner Matt Long plan on maintaining Arts’ standards as well as injecting their own ideas.
“It’s a staple of the indie scene in Leeds, with a lot of history and heritage that we didn’t want to lose,” says Matt. “We don’t want to completely change the concept, more bring it up to date and give it a refresh. We’re still maintaining the gallery element of the venue and will be displaying works from exciting artists on a four week rotation.”
Working with the existing team, Matt and Stu have had “lots of fun” enhancing and modernising the food and drink offering, as well as making some changes and refreshes to the interior, keeping a Leeds institution current and well-maintained.
The new look Arts restaurant is re-launching on the 16th November with a new menu, which still highlights provenance and high quality.
42 Call Lane, Leeds LS 1 6DT Tel: 0113 243 8243
