Three Michelin chefs descend on Leeds restaurant to discuss city's dining scene

Nacho Manzano, executive chef at Iberica, joined world-renowned chef Quique Dacosta and the proud recipient of Leeds’ only Michelin star – Michael O’Hare – in Leeds yesterday.

The trio, who boast a grand total of eight Michelin stars between them, met at Iberica to sample an array of dishes from talented chef Mr Dacosta, who took to the kitchen to cook up rice-based creations for his fellow chefs.

Michael O’Hare’s restaurant The Man Behind the Curtain currently has a waiting list of around 11-months after bagging the city its first Michelin star in 10 years.

The chef also saw success on television programme The Great British Menu and has recently been appointed creative director for the GG Hospitality group, owned by former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

Mr O’Hare said: “Quique is a well-respected chef worldwide and it doesn’t get any better than him. To have him in Leeds is a beautiful thing.”

Speaking about the city’s dining scene, he added: “Leeds is a great place to be and it doesn’t need to compare itself to London – it just needs to be better than it was yesterday.

“People try and create a north and south divide but food in Leeds is good.

“All that matters is, if you live in Leeds, can you eat well? You can.”

He added: “The only thing that Leeds is missing is a two-star...”

Mr Manzano, who boasts three Michelin stars, added: “I can see Leeds is growing and doing great.”

César García, group head chef at Iberica, said: “Obviously when you get a Michelin star in a city where there aren’t many, it helps put the city on the map.

“I think that has helped Leeds a lot.”