Glenbrook brings steak brand to Leeds

Flat Iron has been chosen following “an intensive selection process” to replace burger restaurant Byron at the grade two-listed and recently refurbished St Albions building.

Investor and developer Glenbrook has exchanged contracts on the deal, tying up a 20-year lease with the operator. A search was launched following the surrender of Byron’s lease earlier this year.

Occupying a prominent position in the city’s prime retail core, the upper floors at the 31,400 sq ft St Albions offer office accommodation, with two suites of around 4,000 sq ft now available. Glenbrook bought the building for £6.7m and has spent £1m on its refurbishment.

Flat Iron first launched in London in 2012 with founder Charlie Carroll stating the mission as being to offer “remarkable steak, accessible to all”.

The brand now has 12 London restaurants and one in Cambridge. Flat Iron is also advancing plans to open in Manchester.

On the Leeds deal, Scott Griffiths, investment director at Glenbrook, said: “We are delighted to have agreed terms with this London-born brand to bring its passion for quality and theatre to Leeds. The enthusiasm of the operator’s team and the values of the brand were a big selling point for us.

“The stunning interiors of St Albions with its many original features represent a great fit for Flat Iron’s aesthetic and we look forward to seeing their exciting designs for the new restaurant take shape.”

Flat Iron’s head of beef Fred Smith said: “Our main goal has always been to make great steak accessible and with the opening of Flat Iron in Leeds, we can’t wait to bring the excitement of Flat Iron to West Yorkshire and contribute to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.”

Agent Pudney Shuttleworth and law firm CMS acted for Glenbrook, with KLM and Glovers representing Flat Iron.