Bavette in Leeds Wins Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurant Award

Bavette, a French bistro located in Horsforth, Leeds, has been honoured with the prestigious title of Best Local Restaurant in the UK by the Good Food Guide. Owned by Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin, Bavette has quickly become a beloved spot for local diners and has now earned national recognition.

The Good Food Guide's Annual Awards

The Good Food Guide's annual awards celebrate the finest independent restaurants across the UK. This year, the competition saw an unprecedented 60,000 votes from enthusiastic diners eager to support their favourite eateries. The Guide’s team of expert inspectors conducted anonymous visits to numerous restaurants, ultimately crowning Bavette as Britain’s Best Local Restaurant for 2024.

The Essence of Bavette

Bavette's charm lies in its perfect blend of authentic French cuisine and warm hospitality. From the moment it opened in February 2024, the bistro has captivated the hearts of the Horsforth community and beyond. Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin, who bring extensive experience from some of London’s top establishments, have created an inviting atmosphere complemented by a menu of beautifully executed French classics.

What Makes Bavette Stand Out

Chloë Hamilton, co-editor of The Good Food Guide, praised Bavette for its excellent bistro cooking, adventurous wine list, and the genuine warmth of its team. The bistro’s vibrant energy has made it a popular venue for various celebrations, reflecting its integral role in the community.

The Journey of Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin

Sandy Jarvis: From Chemistry to Culinary Excellence

Sandy Jarvis, originally from Yorkshire, pursued his passion for food after completing a degree in Chemistry at The University of Manchester. He trained at Leiths School of Food & Wine and gained valuable experience at renowned London bistros such as Racine and Terroirs. Sandy's culinary journey saw him rise to the position of Head Chef at Terroirs before opening The Culpeper, where he showcased his talent for creating seasonal, ingredient-focused dishes. In 2024, Sandy returned to Yorkshire to realise his dream of opening his own bistro with his husband, Clément.

Clément Cousin: A French Connection

Born in the Loire Valley, Clément Cousin was immersed in the world of gastronomy and wine from a young age. His family's vineyard, known for producing natural wines, inspired Clément's career in hospitality. Moving to London, he gained experience at esteemed establishments such as Terroirs, The Dairy, and Claridge’s Fera. Clément's expertise in wine and restaurant management played a crucial role in the success of Bavette, where he now serves low-intervention wines from his family’s vineyard.

Hard Work and Community Spirit

Reflecting on their achievement, Sandy and Clément expressed their gratitude to their team and the community. Their dedication to creating a neighbourhood bistro has clearly paid off, with Bavette becoming a celebrated local favourite.

For more information, please visit Bavette’s website or follow them on Instagram.

Address: 4-6 Town St, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RJ

Website: https://bavettebistro.com

Opening Hours:

• Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday and Thursday: Dinner only, 6pm - 10pm
• Friday and Saturday: Lunch 12pm - 3pm, Dinner 6pm - 10pm
• Sunday: Lunch only, 12pm - 4pm

Quotes

Chloë Hamilton on Bavette's Success:

“With Sandy and Clément’s backgrounds in some of London’s top establishments, opening a restaurant together in an outer suburb of Leeds looked great on paper. But the way they’ve brought it to life – excellent bistro cooking, an adventurous, engaging wine list, and the energy and warmth of the team – make it irresistible.”

Sandy and Clément on Winning the Award:

“We are completely gobsmacked about winning the Best Local Restaurant Award. To be included in the top 100 in our first few months would have been a great achievement but to be the overall winner is such a huge honour and testament to all the hard work of the team since day one, so this is for them. Our sign above the door says 'a neighbourhood bistro' and being a great local restaurant is everything we wanted Bavette to be. Thank you to everyone who has come through our doors over the past five months, you’ve made Bavette what it is.”