the perfect creation


Top Yorkshire chef Richard Walton-Allen left his high-flying job at Harvey Nichols to open social enterprise restaurant Create – which is proving a hit with local customers and famous food critics alike. beyond reports.


H


e's the multi-award winning culinary ace who wowed restaurant goers at Harvey Nichols in Leeds for 12 years, and was named the city's Best Chef at the 2011 Oliver Awards.


But after working with homeless charities in his spare time, Richard Walton-Allen decided to leave his high-flying job to open the unique Create eatery in Leeds – the very first restaurant of its kind in the UK. A social enterprise project that helps the


disadvantaged and long-term unemployed into work by offering them training and experience, Create is a quality establishment that has gone down a storm with local diners and even famous food critics. As Jay Rayner of The Observer recently remarked: “by the end of lunch even this cynical old dog was ready to clamber on to his hind legs and applaud.” Founded by Sarah Dunwell and Gary Stott,


the Create project had been running solely as an outside catering enterprise before they came to Richard with the idea of opening a restaurant. And what a restaurant they have established. Located in the very heart of Leeds's bustling


explains Richard, “and we use fresh produce and ingredients from local producers. “When you explain the aims of the restaurant people are really keen to get behind it. The response from the local businesspeople and customers has been brilliant, and the reaction from the people of Leeds has been very supportive. Even more than that, people are proud of it.” Richard certainly has no regrets about leaving


his previous life behind. “I didn't see leaving Harvey Nichols as a complicated choice,” he says. “I had loads of people telling me I was mad, but I really believed in this. I really believe that the food business can give people a new lease of life. I used to work in a beautiful luxury department store, and when I went out and saw the imbalance in society it was something I wanted to set right. “We help people from worklessness into a


career. We work with people who have got the biggest obstacles to getting into work. People who are homeless; people who have been in prison; people on drug rehabilitation. You can give them


Create serves gorgeous food that changes lives. Book online or phone 0113 242 0628 to come and see for yourself.


‘ By any measure this is an excellent restaurant.’ Jack Blanchard, Yorkshire Post


business district, its stylish, colourful interior is instantly striking, while the excellent food matches this sense of vibrancy. The menu is the very definition of quality


modern British cuisine and makes ingenious use of fresh, in-season ingredients from around the region. The restaurant sources local game from the Harewood Estate and squid from the northern coast of Yorkshire, while the dessert menu is brimming with Yorkshire classics such as Parkin and some inspired rhubarb dishes. “Our menu has a strong British theme,”


66 food & drink


all the labels you want, but when you meet them they're just people who need an opportunity. “I've seen first-hand the massive change it instills in people – and the shift in demeanor and confidence – when they get that opportunity, and that support. “The restaurant business and being a chef is often seen as being about ego, and this turns that on its head. I love that. I've been on telly and I've had my own radio slot, but you know what? I get more enjoyment and satisfaction out of this than anything else.”


Our New Year offer. Two people. Two courses. One price. £18.50*


Create Restaurant 31 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL Tel: 0113 242 0628


31 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL www.foodbycreate.co.uk


*Offer available Monday to Friday from 3 January until 9 March 2012, excluding 14 February.


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