Landmark restaurant closes after landlord dispute

A landmark Italian restaurant in Leeds has been forced to close due to a dispute with the building's landlord, its owners have said.

Salvo's in Headingley opened in 1976, and despite changing ownership in 2023 it has been listed in the Good Food Guide every year since 1984 and been awarded an AA rosette.

In a post on social media, its owners said the landlord had changed the locks and it was "with profound sadness and heavy hearts" that it had closed with immediate effect.

A notice displayed in the window by landlord Paskal Nine Ltd said the lease had been forfeited and the premises secured.

The BBC has made attempts to contact the landlord for a comment.

Salvo's was opened by Salvatore Dammone in 1976 and remained family-operated for 50 years, with his sons Geppino "Gip" and Gianfranco "John" running it until they retired.

The restaurant on Otley Road remained one of the city's best-loved Italian eateries.

In a post on Facebook, Salvo's said: "This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises.

"This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honour any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create."

It added: "We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills.

"Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls.

"Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you."

The post on Facebook said the restaurant's owners hoped to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and reopen, but urged customers not to make a booking until further notice.

Former customer James Taylor, 87, said: "It was very enjoyable but very expensive. I do think it will be missed.

"When a friend came from Australia we naturally took him there because we wanted to give him a good impression.

"It was a nice restaurant, there's no doubt about it but I couldn't afford to go there too often."

Another local fan, Dominic, said: "It is part of Headingley, I have only been here since the 90s but I have eaten in there quite a few times.

"They had a deli just down there and I see they've let that go so perhaps they are finding it hard to make ends meet or have fallen on hard times.

"I think like most people, since the pandemic I'm not eating out so much, prices are rising and it seems to be really hard for businesses as well."

Another man, who declined to give his name, said he had lived in the area for about 20 years and Salvo's was one of his favourite places to go.

"I'll be really sad if it's closed," he said.

"It is a traditional Italian restaurant, it caters for students and families alike."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.