Leeds favourite The Swine That Dines reopens next week under a new name and in new, larger premises – as the Swine Bistro in Headingley.
The original Swine, a former sandwich shop on North Street in the city centre, has won increasing fame for founders Stu and Jo Myers in its 12 years – scoring an exceptional 4-5-4 for food, service and ambience in the current Harden’s guide.
The couple raised £42,000 – almost twice the original target – in a crowdfunder last year to finance the move, and closed the original site in late December. The new venue launches next Friday 4 April, opposite the Arndale Centre in Ottley Road, and will be twice as big with seating for 35 guests.
Jo says: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant.
“Now we have a bigger, better kitchen we will finally be able to fulfil our crowdfunder pledges of lemon meringue pies, Swine pies and cookery masterclasses with Stu. Restaurant vouchers will be sent out in the next few weeks and will be valid from opening day for two years.”
Stu and new head chef Kirsty Cheetham have worked on expanding the menu while staying true to the Swine’s signature terrines, black pudding, homemade sausages and British pies, with highlights including pork and pistachio sausage with lentils watercress and mushrooms; venison, harissa and sherry sausage, with chickpeas and chard; ox cheek and oxtail pie; guinea fowl, bacon and leek pie; and twice baked comte cheese soufflé, with hazelnut, sage and fennel. There will also be an enhanced drinks menu with natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Meanwhile, the city centre site is being converted into a bakery called Here Comes The Bun under the Swine’s longstanding development chef Paul Bullock. Opening in the coming months, it will produce home-baked bread and desserts and offer creative sandwiches to take away.
