WALK up and down the city centre’s East Parade and you’ll come across such a concentration of tapas restaurants that you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on La Ramblas - wishful thinking with this fickle weather, we know.
Ricci’s Tapas & Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North both open on July 11th
That hasn’t put a new kid off this particular block though: Ricci’s Tapas & Cicchetti, and cocktail bar 53 Degrees North, are due to open in Goodbard House early next month.
Both Ricci’s and 53 Degrees have called Halifax’s Dean Clough home since 2013 and 2014 respectively, and restaurateur Michael Ricci thinks now is the right time to expand into Leeds’ financial district.
Ricci said: “The bars and eateries play a vital role in making Leeds the thriving city it has become - we want to be part of it. We are passionate about creating exceptional food and drink to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits”.
He mentions ‘playful twists on traditional tapas;’ with creations such as goats cheese churros with truffle honey, aged fillet a la pobre from dairy cows and salmon tartare with chargrilled asparagus and miso creme fraiche, all created by executive chef Mark Kemp alongside Ricci himself.
Ricci's Place
Goodbard HouseCatering to the financial district’s demographic, 53 Degrees North specialises in expert mixology and premium liquors - perhaps unlike anywhere else in the neighbourhood, it’s inspired by Ricci’s ‘spiritual homeland’ of Ibiza. As a nod to this, international artists and DJs are set to provide the soundtrack to your cocktails.
It might be the nicest looking Balearic-inspired bar in Leeds too, with a combination of the Grade II-listed building’s original features, as well as a modern-slash-rustic combination of weathered raw materials and indulgent furnishings, topped off with custom artwork from graffiti artist Ben Allen.
With the small plates and premium cocktail markets becoming so saturated in the past twelve months, it’ll be hard work for a newcomer to differentiate themselves from stiff competition, but Ricci’s ambition and enthusiasm are clear: “Leeds has such a vibrant, buzzing, social scene that is constantly evolving. We want to bring something fresh and new to the table which will surprise and excite the people of Leeds and we will do just that.”
Ricci’s Tapas & Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North both open on July 11th - we’ll be keeping you updated with all of the information leading up to and around the launch.
