From ‘Greedy Pig’ to ‘The Swine That Dines’: Our Journey to a New Home (and a Few Ox Tongues Along the Way)
Welcome to the first-ever blog post from The Swine That Dines! We’re excited to have you join us on this new adventure where we’ll be sharing tales of past successes (and a few not-so-successes), upcoming events, things that inspire us, and – most importantly – delicious recipes from our kitchen to yours.
You’ll find dishes from years gone by, creations that never quite found their place on our menu, and more than a few sweet treats to tempt your taste buds.
Best Start at the Beginning
Back in 2012, we embarked on a culinary journey that led us from a tiny sandwich shop to the restaurant we are today – a story that began with sandwiches, evolved with unexpected detours, and culminated in an outpouring of community support.
Our new adventure began with our taking over The Greedy Pig: a charming little sandwich shop on North Street. We had always dreamed of running a restaurant, but at the time, this cosy space was the perfect starting point. With just one griddle, one oven, and (surprisingly!) no customer toilet, we focused our energy on crafting the most delicious breakfasts in Leeds.
And you know what? Word got out! Soon, queues formed outside our 14-seater cafe on Saturday mornings, and we even caught the attention of national newspapers, earning a spot on their “best brunches” lists. To make our little haven even more welcoming, we hosted a “Pie Night” that was so popular, people lined up around the block, and we finally had the funds to add a much-needed customer toilet.
Over time, The Greedy Pig evolved into something more. We expanded our hours, knocked down a wall (literally!), and transformed the space into a proper restaurant. We dared to be different, introducing Leeds to the unexpected delights of ox tongue and embracing a “nose to tail” philosophy that celebrated sustainable practices. We even started a monthly vegetarian menu, which quickly became a beloved tradition.
Through it all, we’ve always believed that good food should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about new flavours, we’ve always strived to create a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable.
Now, we’re thrilled to embark on the next chapter of our culinary adventure. We’ve found a wonderful new home, just a short stroll from our current location, that will allow us to create the restaurant we’ve always envisioned. Thanks to the incredible support we received during our crowdfunding campaign (more on that in a moment!), we’ll be able to build a larger kitchen (complete with a dishwasher!), a private dining room, and even a ground-level accessible toilet. We’re also excited to expand our team, including welcoming an apprentice chef to share our passion for food with the next generation.
If you thought we were perfectly located for a pre-theatre meal before, you’ll definitely believe it now. Ahhhh…. the news we’re yet to share… We will let you know the new location soon 🤫
Speaking of our crowdfunding campaign, we were truly overwhelmed by the love and generosity shown by our community. Reaching our initial target in under 48 hours was a humbling and joyous experience. Thanks to your support, we can now take our outside catering business to new heights and make our new restaurant even more special.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home soon. Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and details about the new location. In the meantime, know that The Swine That Dines will always be a place where you can relax, enjoy delicious food, and feel like part of our extended family.
Here’s to sunnier food!
Jo & Stu
