The Empire strikes back with style

Long-established café is a star in its own right

- BY YEP REVIEWER

'm sure you've heard of the Highland Laddie by now.

The name of the Burley Road-adjacent boozer has been on everyone's lips-literally - since it was reopened following a monumental refurbishment 10 months ago.

But for owners and Leeds food and drink aficionados Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton, it was not their first nearly-forgotten local institution resurrecting rodeo.

The Empire Café was reopened by the duo in March 2023, having been a go-to destination for more than 120 years.

Rotisserie chickens over an open flame and a revolving menu of high quality dishes sourced with fresh produce from the drumstick's-throw-away Kirkgate Market have been the order of the day since the old, rotten 'Empire Café' sign was reupholstered and replaced.