The couple behind The Assembly in Cross Gates are opening a new bar in Garforth

Matthew and Stephanie Cliffe, who opened bottle shop, cafe and bar The Assembly in August 2018, hope to have their Garforth venture of the same name open by early September.

They've had the keys to the building on Main Street in Garforth since October, but lockdown put things on hold.

Stephanie said: "We were forced to close and it was a big hit but Cross Gates was doing really well pre-lockdown and is doing well post-lockdown.

"We've been able to take a step back and reflect on how we operate as a business and become more confident in what we do and what we offer.

"We looked at the city centre and north Leeds but it is over-saturated - there's a lot of focus there and maybe a little bit of snobbery about east Leeds, but we live here and we love it.

"We realised there was a big opportunity as there were a lot of people here crying out for it."

She added: "It's about time the spotlight was on east Leeds - we want to support and champion the area."

The Assembly in Cross Gates reopened on July 4, taking advantage of its outside space and using table bookings for inside.

The Garforth venue will have the same homely feel as Cross Gates, with the same emphasis on quality craft beers and local produce.

The new bar will be over two floors, which opens up the possibility of hot food to add to the meat and cheese boards.

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Thank you

Laura Collins