James Martin to launch restaurant in Leeds

Celebrity chef James Martin is set to launch a restaurant at the Alea Casino at Clarence Dock in Leeds.

The presenter of the BBC's Saturday Morning cookery show will open the Leeds Kitchen by James Martin at the end of March. He is taking over the restaurant on the ground floor of the casino, which was previously called the Fig, and will transform it into a "contemporary, fine-dining establishment".

Martin's menu will be focused on using locally sourced ingredients and will also be available for events and functions at the venue.

"As I'm a born-and-bred Yorkshireman, I have been searching for the right location for some time and Alea and Clarence Dock have everything I am looking for," Martin said.

"I can't wait to open shortly, and deliver - along with my team - some of the best of British cooking Leeds has experienced."

Michael Silberling, CEO of London Clubs International, added: "James's passion for excellence and the quality of dining experience he guarantees will bring a new dimension not just to Alea, but to Clarence Dock and Leeds as a whole."

Alea is already home to the Bird Restaurant run by double Michelin-starred chef, Vineet Bhatia. The casino also includes five bars and extensive events and conferencing space.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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