The team behind Empire Cafe have mastered the art of restauranteering, now it’s time for them to give The Highland Laddie a go.
Former Tetley’s pub The Highland has sat empty after serving the community for over 40 years, but this spring that’s all set to change. That’s because Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton, Empire Cafe founders, are poised to take over, building on the venue’s pub heritage with a refined food and drink offering.
“I’ve known the pub ever since I was in my 20s’, Sam told us. “It fits with what we do because it’s a historical building which we’re going to give a new lease of life, but we’re not going to spoil what it is – the traditional elements like the settings, bars, tables and seats, everything’s staying as it is.”
Although the pub will retain its historical charm, there are a few things that are set to change. Firstly, the venue will be renamed ‘The Highland Laddie’, and secondly, a new charcoal-based kitchen is set to be installed, offering a delicious menu cooked over flame.
Throw in a whole host of small plates designed to enhance the traditional pub atmosphere, and a drinks lineup that ranges from cask ale and Guinness to natural wines, high-end spirits and carefully curated cocktails, and you have a casual, yet sophisticated, dining experience.
The incorporation of the pub into the brand will create a Senior Management Team that will work across both venues, ensuring the same high standards across both locations. Joining them in this endeavour are recognisable names like Head Chef Joe Caroll (Crafthouse/Three’s a Crowd), and Jon Hughes (Man Behind the Curtain) who’ll continue to man the kitchen at Empire Cafe.
“We see no difference between running a pub or a cafe – both serve the community,” Sam explained. “Our goal is to simply do it better. First and foremost, it will be a pub where you can come and have a drink, much like Empire, where you can still come and get a bacon sandwich and a mug of tea. We want to embrace the heritage and pub tradition but make it our own.”
The Highland Laddie is set to open this spring, serving lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. After the splash the team have made with the success of Empire Cafe, we can’t wait to see what their next venture will bring to the city.
The Highland Laddie, 36 Cavendish Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS3 1LY.
