Back from the dead: popular Leeds restaurant returns

Fuji Hiro will reopen at the Merrion Centre this summer, following investment from co-founder of Red’s True Barbecue and fan James Douglas.

The independent Japanese restaurant closed at the beginning of the year, having amassed something of a cult-following after almost 30 years of no-nonsense authentic cooking.

Based in the Merrion Centre, a mixed-use centre with almost 1m sq ft of office and retail space, Douglas has acquired the lease for the restaurant, which is undergoing a fit-out.

Douglas said: “Fuji Hiro has held a special place in the hearts of Leeds locals for decades.

“I’ve been a fan since it first opened its doors in 1997, so to now take the reins and help write its next chapter is a real honour.

“We didn’t want to lose what made Fuji Hiro special, so we’ve kept as much of the original feel as possible.

“We’ve taken things right back to where it all started with a stripped-back menu of the core dishes it is famous for, such as ramen, noodles, gyoza and katsu.”

Charles Newman, associate director at Town Centre Securities, owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “Fuji Hiro has long been one of Leeds’ most iconic restaurants, and we’re delighted to welcome it back to the Merrion Centre to continue its story.

“Its return is testament to the loyalty of its customers and the strength of our food scene.”