Michael O’Hare to open new Leeds restaurant

Chef Michael O’Hare is making a comeback to the Leeds dining scene with a brand-new restaurant in Boston Spa.

This marks his first opening since closing The Man Behind The Curtain and its short-lived successor, Psycho Sandbar.

Read more: Michael O'Hare The Man Behind The Curtain to relaunch as Pscyho Sandbar

A new chapter for the boundary-pushing chef

Known for his avant-garde approach and theatrical presentation, he made his name with The Man Behind The Curtain, which launched in 2014 and went on to earn a Michelin star. The restaurant became a fixture of modern British fine dining before closing its doors in 2023, when Michael replaced it with the more casual, seafood-led Psycho Sandbar.

Now, more than a year after that closure, the chef has confirmed his plans for a new venture in Boston Spa, an affluent village within the Leeds metropolitan area.

In a post shared on Instagram, he revealed the restaurant will be called In Lamentation and described it as “super intimate”, seating just 16 guests and opening for only four services each week.

Focused, intimate and creative

The scale and exclusivity of the new restaurant suggest a return to the precision and creativity that defined Michael's earlier work. With limited covers and a condensed service schedule, In Lamentation appears to be designed as an immersive dining experience - one that prioritises artistry and atmosphere over volume.

The chef has not yet confirmed further details about the concept, menu, or opening date, but early signs point to a renewed focus on delivering a highly personal experience. For many in the industry, Michael's decision to step away from larger operations in favour of a smaller, creative-led model reflects a wider shift among chefs seeking sustainability, control, and closer connection with guests.

A new direction after Psycho Sandbar

Michael’s last project, Psycho Sandbar, was an ambitious attempt to redefine his Leeds base. The seafood restaurant, which took over The Man Behind The Curtain site, offered an à la carte menu and beach-inspired interiors but closed after just seven months.

The chef’s willingness to evolve creatively - even after setbacks - has long been part of his appeal, and In Lamentation seems poised to continue that story.

While the precise opening timeline is not yet clear, industry observers are already watching closely. For Leeds, Michael's return brings renewed attention to a city that has quietly become one of the UK’s most dynamic dining destinations.

Looking ahead

With In Lamentation, O’Hare appears to be reasserting his independence and creative freedom. The decision to open a 16-cover restaurant with only four weekly services points to a model that values intensity and craft over scale - one that could redefine how chefs balance innovation, work-life sustainability, and guest experience.

His next move will be followed with interest by chefs and diners alike, as one of Britain’s most distinctive culinary voices prepares to write a new chapter in his story.