The Cut & Craft raises the steaks as it gets set to open brand-new dining space and elegant lounge bar in Victoria Leeds

Victoria Leeds, owned and operated by Redical, has announced that premium British steak restaurant, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its existing site in Leeds, to create an adjoining cocktail bar and lounge area Victoria Quarter, following the business’ continued stellar performance and growing demand.

The Cut & Craft will nearly double in size, with the addition of a brand-new luxurious bar area, serving world-class cocktails, champagne, elevated bar snacks and a “quintessentially British” afternoon tea. The bar will be complete with a dedicated stage on the ground floor to cater to late-evening entertainment and live music on Thursdays and Sundays, transforming the existing venue into a space with seating for 370 covers.

The existing restaurant will remain open to trade throughout the duration of the construction, with completion and opening of the new bar slated for spring 2026.

The Grade II-listed building’s ornate features, including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar, will remain present within the existing restaurant, with the addition of two private dining rooms on the first floor, as well as the new bar area. The décor will evoke a refined and luxurious atmosphere, in keeping with The Cut & Craft brand, including deep blue furnishing details, premium brushed metalwork and a rich, heritage-infused palette.

Access to the original Collinson’s Café balcony, where Titanic bandleader Walter Hartley once performed, is integrated within the new space, allowing The Cut & Craft to honour and reinterpret musical history into its design.

The private dining rooms can operate independently or can be combined to create a larger space, capable of hosting up to 40 covers seated or more than 100 standing. The extended footprint will enable the expansion of the menu, with a curated list of elevated bar snacks and small plates.

Since launching in York in 2018, The Cut & Craft has continued to grow, with its Leeds restaurant opening in 2022 and Manchester in 2025. The strategic £1m investment to upsize the Victoria Leeds location, with a brand-new concept, follows a strong year for F&B at the destination, across The Cut & Craft, The Ivy, The Ivy Asia and Caffè Concerto.

The operator’s renewed commitment to Victoria Leeds demonstrates its vote of confidence in the destination and shines a spotlight on its success in supporting and nurturing independent operators.

Rachel Bradburn, Leasing Director at Victoria Leeds, commented: “The Cut & Craft has been instrumental in strengthening our F&B offer at Victoria Leeds, demonstrating the value of supporting independent operators with strong growth potential. This latest investment reflects the continued confidence leading brands place in Victoria Leeds as a flagship destination.”

Darioush Shahidi, Operations Director at The Cut & Craft, commented: “Since opening in 2022, our journey in Leeds has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to reveal plans for a dedicated cocktail bar in the city we love. Leeds has embraced us from day one, and this new space will let us give something back, through exceptional cocktails, elevated bar snacks, intimate private dining spaces, and a vibrant line-up of curated live entertainment. We can’t wait to welcome guests to a space designed for unforgettable nights out in the heart of the city.”

LM and Central Retail acted for Victoria Leeds.