The Elite Bistros restaurateur is looking at a property in the Wellington Place development in the city, although he says his plans are still in the early stages.
As with previous new openings, Usher has set up an Instagram account for his new project, called Wagon House Bistro, which speaks of his intention to open in the city. Its main post shows a picture of a derelict building with the words: ‘Make a social media account. Give your project a name. Tell everyone it’s happening. Tell yourself it’s happening. Convince yourself it’s happening. Make it fucking happen.’
The building in question is a former steam-powered railway wagon hoist tower dating back to 1850 where train wagons from the higher level passenger line were taken between the goods yard at the original Leeds central railway station. One of a pair, the hoists are said to have remained in use until the 1950s.
The building is now a central feature of Tower Square in Wellington Place, which opened in 2016 and has become a hub for Wellington Place.
While Usher says he is keen to open a restaurant in the building and that he has the support of the council, it is currently assessing whether it will be suitable for a restaurant location. It is understood that Usher would want to put in a restaurant in a similar style to his other bistros.
If he were to get the green light the restaurant wouldn’t open until at least 2020.
Usher’s latest venue, Kala, located on Manchester’s King Street, is due to open next month following the chef's successful crowdfund for the restaurant earlier this month.
