Chef Liz Cottam raises over £65,000 to open Leeds ‘gastrobar’

Chef Liz Cottam has raised more than £65,000 for the launch of her Leeds dining bar Emba, which will be taking over the former site of her Owl gastropub.

The successful crowdfunding campaign, which attracted donations from over 300 supporters, came roughly eight months after the 2016 MasterChef semi-finalist closed her restaurant Home despite eight years of trading due to “insurmountable” economic challenges.

On her crowdfunding page, she wrote: “This past year has been one of the toughest of my career. Like so many others in hospitality, I’ve had to take a long, honest look at the road ahead. I asked myself: do I still want to do this? Do I have the energy to keep going in this industry that’s changed so much? And if I do, what would that look like?

“After some serious soul-searching, I found my answer – I’m not done. I love what I do far too much to walk away now. I’m not ready to give up on my dream, and that’s why I’m creating Emba... Emba is the most personal project I’ve ever taken on, and your support would mean the world.”

Cottam has described Emba as a relaxed gastrobar, offering something in between a cosy pub and a dynamic bar, centred around an open kitchen, charcoal grill and live music.

She added that the menu will reflect her passion for “bold flavours, plenty of fat and fire, and that comforting sense of familiarity”, while over 10 craft beers and ales will be available on tap.

Dishes are set to include the likes of smoked bone marrow and garlic; kaffir crab soufflé; warm shrimps in brown butter; and crab rarebit and fried tomato dip.

Those who have made donations will be rewarded with exclusive discounts, invites to VIP dinners and names on the art wall.

Cottam concluded: “It will be a place for everyone, where old-world hospitality meets new-world flavour and contemporary style. Every detail – from the music to the menus – will carry my personal creative touch. Hopefully followers of my food will be able to recognise my identity on every element of what we offer.”