It aimed to bring fine dining to Beeston, however Howard's Restaurant situated on the West Stand concourse has abruptly closed its doors today.
The idea was of course the brainchild of ex Leeds chairman Ken Bates who's dream was to address the glaring lack of tribute to 1992 title winning boss Howard Wilkinson and bring the "dome theme" dining room from his favourite Monaco haunt to Leeds 11.
However after less than three-years trading, its operators Levy Restaurants confirmed that it has closed without giving any particular reason and even signposted customers to nearby Billy's Bar in the South Stand, more famous for serving Burgers, Chips and Carveries rather than Fayre such as confit of Gressingham Duck Leg, Easingwold Pork Fillet and Ryedale Hereford Sirloin steak cooked on a bed of wild mushrooms and flambé in brandy.
In a statement in the Yorkshire Evening Post today, Levy said: "We can confirm that Howard’s restaurant is now closed.
"We would like to thank all of our guests for their amazing support and can confirm we will continue to provide a range of great food and drink facilities across the stadium, including Billy’s Bar which will remain open seven days a week.”
Despite my cynicism, the restaurant did win a prestigious Oliver award in 2010 and received a good/very good review in the YEP in late 2010 despite racking up a bill of in excess of £73 for two!
On trip advisor, Howard's also scored highly. The most recent review in March coming from Legumen who wrote "Just back from Howard's.. Really awfully nice food. Steak cooked perfectly, chicken was meaty with a lovely sauce...we didn't have deserts as quite full for a midweek supper. The service was lovely and dealt with a minor complaint in exemplary fashion. I've only given 3 for atmosphere as it was very quiet although that suited us perfectly.."
Sauce! I thought they called it Jus in that type of establishment!
Although Levy have not confirmed it, maybe the quietness in Legumen's review sealed its fate. Whilst our beloved former chairman cannot be overly criticised for trying to attract the more refined classes to Elland Road and turning it into a seven day operation and from day-one of his tenure Mr Bates never seemed to appreciate what worked in West London wouldn't necessarily work in West Yorkshire.