Fearns is a new kitchen, bar and lounge celebrating the best of Yorkshire’s produce, people and products.
Leeds Dock is home to a stunning new venue that sets out to champion all things Yorkshire. Fearns is an all-day kitchen, bar and lounge, serving everything from breakfast and coffee through to dinner and late night drinks. A sustainable ethos runs throughout the brand new concept, led by general manager Robbie Williamson and head chef Jade Crawley.
Promising dining, drinks and DJs, Fearns will bring something a little different to the Leeds Dock locale. Named after Fearns Island in the Dock’s waterways, the social-first venue will be open to all with walk-ins available seven days a week, taking guests from early mornings through to late nights. The best part? The whole family is welcome to join – and yes, that includes the pooch.
Credit: Memphis Medium
A modern, minimalist decor features a sleek tiled bar, sprawling sofas and picnic-style benches, perfect whether you’re catching up with friends over coffee or typing away on your laptop. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep things bright and airy, while statement furniture, terrazzo flooring and soft furnishings soften the space. It’s perfectly designed for both business and pleasure.
Food is at the very heart of Fearns. Head chef Jade Crawley, previously of Eat Your Greens and The Tetley, has a well-earned reputation for bringing indulgent sustainability to her menus, leaning on creative influences from European kitchens. Expect locally-sourced ingredients, bold flavours and noteworthy twists on classic dishes, along with immaculate presentation.
“I’m just trying to look at every product and every ingredient we work with and ask the question, is there a way that we can make this so it has locality and sustainability?”, Jade told us when asked about the Fearns menu. “Is it creative? Is it a bit different? Is it something that people are going to want to try but not alienate people at the same time?”
The breakfast menu offers a range of dishes to start your day right. Keep things simple with folded eggs, or broaden your horizons with the Fearns Breakfast – Jade’s favourite dish – which sees tempura tofu joined by celeriac and pea smash, potato terrine, beans, sourdough and two types of mushrooms. Keeping it simple? The epic breakfast bun is a fine choice.
Credit: Memphis Medium
Lunch service starts when 12pm hits, delivering the likes of bourbon pork belly – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. When dinner arrives, it brings dishes designed to be served socially for friends to share, alongside larger plates and a signature sweet – sticky toffee pudding with tonka ricotta. One thing resonates through each menu – premium ingredients are the stars of the show.
Thirsty? An extensive drinks menu features beer from the likes of Kirkstall Brewery, with wines, cocktails and premium spirits taking you from day to night. You can try Fearns’ own creations such as the Weeping Coconut, which pairs tequila with ancho chilli, lime and coconut, or opt for a classic – the Negroni, Old Fashioned and Tommy’s Margarita are all done and done well.
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There’s a vibe shift come the weekend, as DJ sets curated by Released Records soundtrack drinks and dining. But it’s the Sunday Service that’s the real highlight – expect roast dinners and board games, with a fantastic Bloody Mary menu to boot. You can keep it classic, spice things up with the tequila-laced Maria, or treat yourself to a Michelada, topped with a Camden Hells float.
And these aren’t your average roast dinners, oh no. Meat lovers can choose from beef, pulled lamb, sausage or lemon pepper chicken thigh, with a Seitan roast for the veggies. Each comes loaded with hasselback potatoes and herby Yorkshires, with veg in the form of hispi cabbage and roasted beetroot and squash, all drenched in miso gravy. Could this be the best roast in Leeds?
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Everything’s designed with sustainability in mind, from the material the menus are printed on, to ingredients like the pesto created with leftover herbs and a no waste daily special. Pop-up stores from resident retailers 2 Many Wines and Common Sense Clothing shine a light on indie Yorkshire makers, with both selling ethical, planet-friendly wares for you to take home.
You’ll find Fearns in the same building as recently-opened co-working space space Department on Leeds Dock, offering something fresh and new to the residents, workers and visitors who frequent the waterside. Opening out onto the Boulevard, the venue enjoys plenty of outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot to spend those long, warm summer evenings. So, when are you going?
Fearns, 4 The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1PZ. You can book a table via their website from Monday 22nd May 2023, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Cover image © copyright Leeds-List 2023.
