A taste of what's to come with Leeds chef Matt Healy

Matt Healy

You may have already heard that a certain Yorkshire-born chef and Masterchef: The Professionals runner-up by the name of Matt Healy has taken over The Foundry.

I was lucky enough to stop by the well-known Leeds restaurant this week for an exclusive sneak preview of the lunch. Sitting pretty in the suntrap that is the Round Foundry, the all-new eatery will launch in early May in time to catch the first rays of spring, after undergoing a dramatic makeover.

Matt Healy at The Foundry will pay homage to its previous occupants, whilst also pushing the envelope as far as food innovation is concerned.

And, if the tender Baby Chicken with Crispy Scotch Egg, Wild Garlic and Wasabi Mayo is anything to go by, then Yorkshire foodies are in for something special, as that was just a starter. The Fillet Diane that followed reminded me just how much of a divide there is between great and exceptional when it comes to steak. Absolute melt in the mouth stuff!

Matt and his team are aware of how fond the city is of the current restaurant, so care is being taken to ensure die-hard Foundry fans will not be disappointed, while also ushering in a new generation of customers.

He told me: “I love that Leeds is getting its act together, it was a good few years behind London and Manchester but is catching up fast and I can’t wait to add to that. I am looking forward to getting back on the stove, we’ve gone with the tag line ‘unconventionally British’ as this is what best describes what we’re all about! Delicious food, awesome service in a beautiful rejuvenated restaurant.”