Restauranteur Michael Ricci has announced the arrival of Ricci’s Tapas & Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North right into the heart of Leeds’ financial district.

Situated side-by-side at Goodbard House on Infirmary Street, Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North will offer Leeds a unique concept of tapas coupled with an experimental cocktail list created by expert in-house mixologists. Ricci, alongside partner and co-founder Olivia McGorlick, will officially open the site to the public on 11th July 2016.

Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti will offer a playful twist on traditional tapas by incorporating fresh ingredients while playing on the unexpected. Menu highlights include: Tempura of Soft Shell Crab with Harissa, tomato and ginger aioli and Slow Roasted Iberico Suckling Pig cooked with fresh herbs and lemon. Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti will also include more creative dishes created by Michael Ricci and executive chef Mark Kemp, such as: Goats Cheese Churros with truffle honey and Poached Hake in Estrella Galicia Beer with cockles, asparagus and nduja.

53 Degrees North, a unique bar and late lounge, takes its name from the line of latitude on which it was first founded in Dean Clough, Halifax and captures the essence of Michael’s spiritual homeland of Ibiza. 53 Degrees North is passionate about creating exceptional drinks and creating the perfect sound to compliment them. 53 Degrees North will showcase artists and DJs from across the world to new weekly residents and up-and-coming talent. This will be the place where people can expect to see and hear something different from the norm. Alongside music, 53 Degrees North will feature an array of premium quality spirits and liqueurs mixed by their in-house mixologists. If cocktails aren’t your thing, 53 Degrees North will be the first in the UK to serve Estrella Galicia 1906 Reserva Especial on draught; a dark amber lager with balanced smoothness and a bitter touch.

On the launch in Leeds, Michael Ricci states: “Leeds has such a vibrant, buzzing, social scene that is constantly evolving. The bars and eateries play a vital role in making Leeds the thriving city it has become – we want to be part of it. We are passionate about creating exceptional food and drink to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits Ricci’s Tapas & Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North. We want to bring something fresh and new to the table which will surprise and excite the people of Leeds and we will do just that.”

The space will pay tribute to a modern-yet-rustic design and will retain some of the original features in the grade II listed building. The design aims to take visitors on a journey; with indulgent fabrics and a weathered steel central bar in 53 Degrees North, visitors will be able to reach Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti through a sound-scaped lift which transports you, not physically, but mentally into the soothing Balearic air. Ricci’s Tapas and Ciccetti is where the Mediterranean comes to the forefront. The venue will also feature bespoke artwork from acclaimed graffiti artist Ben Allen, a private dining and boardroom and a secret basement Gin bar.

Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti and 53 Degrees North will hold a private launch on 7th July with a DJ Set from music legend Tom Findlay of Groove Armada, supported by Luke Solomon. The official opening is set for Monday 11th July.

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