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Josh Whitehead announced as Kino Head Chef

Opera North’s restaurant Kino today announces the appointment of Josh Whitehead as its new Head Chef.

A former semi-finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals, Josh comes to Kino from The Coach and Horses in Harrogate and was previously Executive Chef at The Harewood Food and Drink Project.

Josh will be using the best British seasonal produce to create his trademark dishes. Diners are invited to sample his culinary style during an exclusive Test Kitchen which will run in Kino from Thursday 25 May to Sunday 11 June before performances at Leeds Grand Theatre and in the Howard Assembly Room. Offering a selection of starters, mains and desserts, the fixed price menu offers two courses for £24 and three for £29, with choices including Roast Thirkleby Duck with Braised Endive and Pastry Velouté and, with a nod to the venue’s previous incarnation as a cinema, Popcorn Polenta, Grilled Mushroom, Tempura Enoki and Grilled Onion. A full menu will be launched towards the end of June.

Test Kitchen Menu

v  Vegetarian     vg  Vegan
gf  Gluten-free     n  Nuts

Download menu

TEST KITCHEN

Test Kitchen

Two Courses | £24 per person
Three Courses | £29 per person

Starter

Pâté En Croûte Du Jour & Pickles | n
Translating as “Pie in Crust Of the Day” Pâté En Croûte is a type of French terrine cooked in a shortcrust pastry, a classic dish that is a favourite of our kitchen. Here, ours is made with Thirkleby ducks and smoked bacon, spiced with juniper, and brandy, served with pickled spring vegetables.

Brochette Of Beetroot & Radicchio, Wild Garlic & Grilled Squash Hummus | vg, gf
Skewers of tender beetroot and radicchio lettuce, cooked over charcoal and glazed with its own juices, with wild garlic salsa verde and a grilled butternut squash hummus.

Main

Roast Thirkleby Duck, Braised Endive & Pastry Velouté | gf on request
Yorkshire free range duck, cooked on the bone, served with braised chicory leaves and a sauce made from roasted duck and hot water pastry, giving a flavour of pork pies.

Popcorn Polenta, Grilled Mushroom, Tempura Enoki & Grilled Onion | v
A nod to our cinema heritage, soft and creamy polenta made from popcorn and Yorkshire pecorino, finished with a selection of grilled mushrooms and a light tempura of enoki, finished with cep popcorn.

Steamed Coley Stuffed With Prawns, Grilled Carrots, Vadouvan Spices & Langoustine Sauce | gf
Sustainably caught coley, wrapped with a prawn stuffing and pickled carrots, carrots cooked on the barbeque and a light sauce of langoustine shells and vadouvan, a French spice mix with a light flavour of curry.

Dessert

Elderflower Custard Eclair & Yorkshire Strawberries
Choux pastry filled with a light custard of fragrant elderflowers, macerated Yorkshire strawberries & buckler sorrel, a seasonal herb with a flavour of lemon.

Spent Coffee & Chocolate Trifle, Creme Fraiche & Blueberry | n, ve, gf on request
Using spent or “waste” coffee grounds from local coffee shops, we create custards, sponges, syrups, and sorbets that come together in a take on a classic trifle. With macerated British blueberries to boot.

Richard Mantle, General Director, Opera North comments:

“We are delighted to welcome Josh to Kino. He brings a wealth of culinary experience to the role as well as a passion for flavourful dishes prepared with his hallmark flair. The Test Kitchen will give diners a taste of what’s to come as Josh starts to create his inspirational menus for Kino.”

 

Josh Whitehead says:

“I am very excited to be joining Kino as they continue their journey in Leeds. My aim is to cook memorable dishes which make the most of the incredible produce available in the region. I can’t wait to hear what people have to say during our Test Kitchen dates.”

A vibrant restaurant and bar on New Briggate in the heart of Leeds, Kino rapidly established itself on the city’s dining scene after opening in July 2022. It prides itself on offering exceptional food crafted with passion and authenticity and the best independent beers, wines and cocktails.

Book a table

Sample our new Head Chef’s culinary style during an exclusive Test Kitchen which will run from Thursday 25 May to Sunday 11 June.

0113 223 3700
info@kinoleeds.co.uk