After months of lockdown, now is a great time to enjoy a drink at your local, or a meal at your favourite restaurants, after they were given the go ahead to reopen at the start of the month.
The new government ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme even offers diners 50 per cent off food in August,
However, sadly not all restaurants and pubs have reopened. These Leeds bars and eateries have now permanently closed their doors.
1. Bad Apples Rock Bar
The Bad Apples Rock Bar, found in Leeds city centre, first opened on Call Lane in 2012 and became extremely popular among music fans in Yorkshire. However, Bad Apples is one of many Leeds bars and restaurants to have permanently closed during lockdown. Photo: Bad Apples Rock Bar
2. Ask Italian
A total of 75 Ask Italian restaurants are to close permanently due to the pandemic. It is not yet known exactly which branches will permanently close. However the website for the Leeds branch states it is still not open, even though restaurants have had the go ahead since 4 July. Photo: Ask Italian
3. Il Paradiso
This Italian restaurant on York Place served a selection of classic Italian dishes using only seasonal ingredients from Italy or sourced locally by well-known organic producers. Having only opened in Leeds at the start of 2019, Il Paradiso has now permanently closed. Photo: Il Paradiso
4. Oracle bar
The much loved Oracle closed just before lockdown occurred, on 1 February. Having run for 15 years it was an established part of Leeds nightlife scene. However, now the developer of the Brewery Wharf estate is transforming the building into an office, among other things. Photo: Oracle bar
5. Frankie and Benny’s
Last month the owner of Frankie & Benny's, The Restaurant Group, announced plans to close 125 UK restaurants. When revealing the branches set to reopen after lockdown, the restaurants in Crown Point Shopping Park and The Light in Leeds city centre were not included in the list. Photo: Frankie and Benny’s
6. Stew and Oyster
This beloved Otley bar and restaurant shut up shop at the start of the year, just prior to lockdown, after three years of trading. Photo: Stew and Oyster