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A new initiative has been launched to bring together independent restaurant, pub and bar owners across Leeds to share knowledge and discuss industry challenges.
The Leeds Hospitality Collective has been founded by Sandy Jarvis, head chef of Horsforth bistro Bavette, and Sam Pullman, owner of The Highland Laddie and The Empire Cafe.
The founders, who have 40 years of combined experience, aim to offer counsel to emerging restaurateurs, provide mentorship and create a stronger collective voice for dialogue with local and national governments.
The initiative focuses on practical support for business development, navigating investment, leasing, recruitment and menu development to promote hospitality as a long-term career.
Independent operators can register interest via the social media pages of the founders’ venues from 16 June ahead of an inaugural meeting.
Jarvis said: “Leeds has a really exciting hospitality scene which is so supportive of each other. As such we wanted to create a space for the owners of these venues to come together, share ideas and support each other in a more structured way.
“We want Leeds to be more outward looking too; the Leeds personality is to crack on and work hard rather than shout about yourself but maybe a bit more self-promotion is needed and with pride say to the rest of the country ‘Look at us and all the great places here in Leeds.”
Pullman added: “Leeds has an incredibly strong independent hospitality scene, full of talent, creativity and resilience. We want to shout about that more – not just within the city, but nationally. By coming together, we can strengthen the hospitality landscape that already exists and continue its growth.”
