RINSE and repeat as couple take wine concept to the city centre

The team behind two popular spots in Far Headingley has ventured into Leeds city centre with their latest opening. Gemma and Elis Williams, who run Fika North and Bottle Chop, have just opened RiNSE Natural Wine, in Call Lane in the city centre. They spoke to the YEP's DENNIS MORTON about their latest venture

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Gemma said: “We first teamed up for Fika North, a Swedish-inspired café, then opened Bottle Chop, a natural wine bar, shop and deli just a few yards from the café.

“We are married but don’t have a background in hospitality, but in designer and teaching art.

“We've become fairly well known the Far Headingley scene but wanted to broaden our horizons.”

Tell us about your new venture.

We opened RiNSE Natural Wine, in Call Lane, in May,” said Gemma. “It’s similar in concept to Bottle Chop in that it’s named after the former tenant Blue Rinse, a vintage shop that occupied the venue for decades before relocating across the street.

“Initially, we probably were going to call it Bottle Chop, but it didn’t really sit quite right with us to create a chain because our heart is independent.

“Everything just comes from me and Elis - we've created the whole thing.”