The Foundry
Restaurant

Janice Richardson and her partner Philip were among the first business tenants to move into Holbeck Urban Village with their deli Pickled Pepper. Two years on and they have just opened a new up restaurant called The Foundry within the same development. Here Janice talks openly about why she and her partner are so committed to the area.

"I looked at other areas and they appeared impersonal and large. I first saw The Foundry as drawings and was immediately attracted and went down to view the premises when the renovation work commenced. I really liked the ‘feel’ of the area. Roland Stross, the developer from CTP St James, had first discussed the potential of a new re-development area in Holbeck with me in 2002. He took me to the site, telling me about the history of the area and what was planned. I was pretty much hooked straight away.

"As a result, the Pickled Pepper opened as a café / deli in March 2004. The timing was ideal as other deli-style sandwich outlets were scarce and of a very basic style. It was always the plan to open a restaurant although at the time the area still wasn't ready to sustain one. By 2006, we felt the area had grown sufficiently and that the businesses would complement each other.

"The area is still growing and has a lot of potential as the immediate area surrounding the Round Foundry is developing. It has a very friendly style: everyone seems to know everyone else and people look out for one another. There is a real community and village feel.

"We would certainly recommend the area as a business location and as it develops it will be be great for residents, as I think they will feel more secure. There is still so much potential for growth especially as development unfolds in neighbouring buildings. It is more like a modern village sitting at the edge of a major city and nbenefits hugely from being so close to the city centre whilst still feeling compact, and safer somehow.

"The advantages for both our businesses is that we understand Leeds and its people. We’ve been in this industry most of our lives and have six staff at Pickled Pepper and ten, including part-time, at The Foundry. Holbeck Urban Village and the Round Foundry are central for suppliers delivering which makes life for business such as ours easy."

Pickled Pepper: 0113 234 4888

The Foundry: 0113 245 0390