Greek Street to be transformed into Leeds’ largest alfresco dining area

A six-month trial is set to begin at Leeds’ Greek Street in an attempt to boost the city’s outdoor drinking and dining scene this summer.

The Alchemist, Gusto, The Liquorist, Bem Brasil, All Bar One and Wagamama will be all be part of the trial, which will begin on Thursday 28th April and end Sunday 30th October.

Throughout this period, Greek Street will be closed on a part-time basis every Thursday to Sunday. The closure of Greek Street will run from 5pm to midnight on Thursday and Friday nights, and from 1pm to midnight on both Saturday and Sunday.

The trial managed by Leeds City Council will see restaurants and bars on Greek Street host various events over the summer.

The move follows on from the success of a similar trial on Merrion Street, which has seen significant economic growth in that area of the city since it was pedestrianised in 2014.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is great news for Greek Street and is a major part of our efforts to support businesses and make the city centre more attractive for residents and visitors.

“We want Leeds to have the most vibrant city centre in the country and that means we have to get behind schemes like this that improve the look and feel of outdoor spaces.

“The Merrion Street scheme has had a transformative effect on that area of the city centre and I’m sure that success will now be replicated on Greek Street.”

Greek Street currently features restaurant and bar operators such All Bar One, Wagamama and Bem Brasil as well as newer venues Gusto, The Alchemist and The Liquorist.

A spokesperson for Living Ventures, which owns and operates Gusto and the Alchemist, commented: “We are delighted that Leeds City Council is taking this step, as we feel it will add to the already vibrant evening atmosphere that Leeds has and help make Greek Street a key city centre destination.

“This trial will enable us to offer more to visitors in the form of outside seating areas and staging different events bringing new life to Greek Street.”

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