Chef Liz Cottam to close Emba gastrobar in Leeds

Chef Liz Cottam is to close her Michelin Guide-listed gastrobar Emba in Leeds next month.

 

The 2016 MasterChef semi-finalist opened the restaurant in May last year following a £65,000 crowdfunding campaign, which attracted donations from over 300 supporters.

 

Emba took over the site of her Owl gastropub on Mustard’s Wharf, which she launched in 2019 and relocated in 2022.

 

In a message to customers, Cottam said there had been “no meaningful help” for the hospitality industry from government and that she was “heartbroken, but sadly not surprised” about the latest closure.

 

The closure announcement comes roughly 18 months after Cottam shuttered the doors of Home, also in Leeds, after eight years of trading.

 

At the time, Home had faced “insurmountable” economic challenges that led to the chef making the “difficult decision” to close.

 

In 2023, she also closed Cora bakehouse, dining room and wine bar in Boston Spa.

 

Emba will close on 1 March.

 

Cottam has been contacted for comment.