Marco Pierre White's New York Italian brand closes Leeds site

Marco Pierre White's New York Italian brand has closed a Leeds restaurant as "increased competition" and "economic uncertainties" take their toll.

Marco's New York Italian in the Merrion Centre had opened in 2017, one of several brands licensed by the former three-Michelin starred chef.

Nick Taplin, chairman and CEO of Black and White Hospitality which franchises White's concepts, said: "The core New York Italian restaurant business and brand remain strong but the market is tough, noticeably so in Leeds. The competition has increased and economic uncertainties have posed challenges leading to a number of high profile restaurant closures across the city.

"We have extremely strong ties to Leeds and it was a site we looked forward to opening for a number of years. We've worked very closely with the owners and considered many alternatives before making the decision to close.

"The high street is changing, with recent news of major closures at established high street brands across the UK. As the Leeds market has changed we've had to adapt our business strategy accordingly, which has moved us in a different direction to the owners. The owners continue to be a big employer in the city and have a fantastic hotel and lots of exciting plans in the pipeline."

A spokesperson for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), which owns Merrion House, added: "We have enjoyed working with the team at Black and White and look forward to announcing another exciting new addition to the Merrion Centre and Arena Quarter soon."

The Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena is unaffected by the closure.

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