Award winning chef set to shake up the Leeds food scene
One of the city’s most unique cafes and retail spaces is extending its opening hours to relaunch as a night spot. The Collective has already built a loyal cult following in Leeds, winning customers over with its aspirational interior design and cafe-bar concept.
The stylish venue offers guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the best charcuterie, brunch dishes and cocktails in the city, as well as some exceptional pop-up dining events with some of the industry’s sharpest talent.
On Thursday 15th June, The Collective will debut its late-night offering with an exclusive collab with local award-winning chef Craig Rogan, who promises diners an inventive 8-course menu designed to take guests on a tasting journey.
Rogan, who is the son of 3 Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, has had an illustrious career so far, with a string of achievements to his name. After training and working in some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants (L’enclume, Fera at Claridges and Manchester House), Craig received 3 AA rosettes in his first Head Chef role at 5-star hotel The Grand in York.
Taking himself out of his comfort zone, he turned his talents to creating an experimental pop-up event in York named Radix, with each event selling out. After joining Dakota Leeds back in 2019 (where he works to this day as Executive Head Chef), he soon found himself taking home Chef of the Year for this role at the Yorkshire Evening Posts Oliver Awards.
Now in his spare time, Craig has been working closely with The Collective to create an exclusive evening of sumptuous dining set to be complemented with exclusive wine flights. The first menu will demonstrate the kind of artistic flair and innovation Craig has become known for.
Highlights are set to include Violet Potato with Ox Cheek & Lovage, Glazed Pork Rib with Fennel & Yuzu and Sweet Cheese with Clementine & Dark Chocolate. Craig’s full menu will be unveiled closer to the launch.
Speaking of the collaboration, Craig said: "Teaming up with Dale and his team has already been a blast and is shaping up to be something truly special. The Collective has got drama and atmosphere aplenty, making it the perfect night spot to indulge in some inventive cooking and fine wines.’’
"I can’t wait to get started and unveil our first full 8-course tasting menu, which has been infused with some incredible ingredients and flavour combinations. I’m excited to see the reaction.’’
The Collective will now be open to those looking for sophisticated after-work and pre-dinner drinks and is working closely with premium tequila brand Hacien to develop a bespoke collection of enticing cocktails. The venue will also host live music and DJs on select evenings, where it aims to showcase up-and-coming local talent in a cool and laid-back environment.
Dale Wynter, founder of The Collective, said: "Having built a loyal following over the past 2 years, the time felt right to take The Collective up a notch with a unique late-night offering. Guests can expect some of the finest cocktails in the city thanks to our hook-up with the brilliant Hacien tequila, as well as some amazing cheese and charcuterie.’’
"And I couldn’t be more excited by our pop-up dining events, which will keep things fresh with an ever-changing range of innovative tasting menus. Craig has blown me away on many occasions with his culinary talents and I’m confident our customers will love the dishes he’s created for us.’’
"The Collective has got all the right ingredients to become one of the city’s best drinking and dining spots and launch day couldn’t come soon enough. Watch this space for more details, it’s going to be big.’’