Mad Frans - New Leeds city centre restaurant celebrates best of Yorkshire

Mad Frans is due to open its doors today (November 27) on the ground floor of 6 Wellington Place off Whitehall Road in the city centre.

He said: “Opening an establishment on the prestigious Wellington Place development needs to deliver for those working at the development and the wider community, and we believe we will really enhance the offering at Wellington Place, delivering a fantastic venue with great food, drink and coffee.

"The team here at Mad Frans is looking forward to welcoming fans of freshly made food and exceptional local drinks to our brand-new bar and kitchen in the heart of the city.”

The head chef is Gary Pickles, who boasts over 19 years’ experience, has had an illustrious career having held various positions, most notably under Gordon Ramsey, as well as starring on TV alongside with Michelle Roux Jnr.

He is returning to his Leeds roots and bringing his classic freshly made food to Mad Frans with simple yet spectacular twists to his dishes.

He said: “It’s great to be returning to Leeds - the city where I grew up and love so much. I’m excited about the concept we’re bringing - whether people are wanting a breakfast on the go, or a Sunday lunch, one thing they can be sure of is a first-class meal, which is made fresh on the premises from scratch every day.

“I’m passionate about championing local food and drink suppliers and we hope the people of Leeds enjoy the experience Mad Frans will offer as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, added: "“Mad Frans brings an incredibly exciting proposition, not just to the development, but the city of Leeds as a whole. Gary is an incredibly talented chef, and we’re lucky to have him at the Wellington Place development.”

Mad Frans will be open seven days a week, opening 7.30am until late.

Diners can expect a menu offering a wide variety including smoked ham hock and mature cheddar bites, served with piccalilli; vegan red pepper falafel and house pickle relish sandwich; monkfish masala with spiced lentil dhal and raita and Mad Frans bourbon sticky toffee pudding, served with Northern Bloc vanilla ice cream.

Work continues across the Wellington Place development with the imminent completion of 7 & 8 Wellington Place, expected at the end of the year. The construction of 4 Wellington Place is also ongoing.