Elizabeth Cottam, much-praised semi-finalist of last year’s BBC MasterChef, and Mark Owens, former Head Chef at the Michelin-starred The Box Tree in Ilkley, have announced the opening of their new restaurant in Elizabeth’s hometown of Leeds.
HOME – which describes its approach as ‘fine dining, reimagined’ – will be opening its doors on Friday 18th August, offering monthly set menus exclusively, from three-course lunch menus, through to five and ten-course tasting menus, all featuring an impressive range of seasonal and local ingredients.
The concept and name for HOME is inspired by its creators’ love of fine dining – rooted in a strong sense of heritage and provenance – offered with a warm atmosphere and true Yorkshire welcome.
Elizabeth explains: “After MasterChef I knew I wanted more from, and for, the Yorkshire restaurant scene. Encouraged by the judges’ recommendations that I had professional potential I sought out more experience, and met Mark at The Box Tree where we quickly found we had lots in common with our approach – not least our shared passion for great food, and even better service. It really got us thinking that there could be a place for something else in the Leeds restaurant scene.”
After meeting at The Box Tree, the pair went on to work together at The New Ellington hotel in Leeds city centre where as well as receiving great acclaim for their food, customers commented that they felt like they’d been invited to someone’s home for dinner, thanks to the passion with which their dishes were described and the warm welcome they received.
HOME is located in one of the most iconic areas of the city, in a 3,669 sq. ft. space that has previously been a dance hall, billiard club, cinema and Indian restaurant but in this, its newest incarnation, is a 65-cover restaurant with bar area.
For food obsessives, a chef’s table experience offering unique insights into the creation of the dishes, served personally by Elizabeth and Mark, will be available. In addition, the pair have also created a monthly ‘guinea pig’ dinner party concept where guests can book to dine, but will not be given a menu for the evening – each course will be a surprise for guests, presented with an explanation by HOME’s front of house team.
Mark comments: “We’re coming at this with a ‘HOME by name, home by nature’ approach and our monthly-changing menus will be a true celebration of everything Great British produce has to offer. We’ve spent a lot of time working together on our first menus and I know that we’ve found the very best that the country has to offer.”
The restaurant opens this week in the heart of the city centre and has already sold out weekend sittings for August and early September.