Our Roots

A Little History of Granary Wharf and our Leeds Restaurant

In a historic corner of Leeds city centre, looking out onto the scenic bank of the River Aire, our very first Fazenda was born. Let us share with you the rich cultural legacy of Granary Wharf, one we proudly contribute to, which made made this thriving area the ideal location for our founding restaurant.

In 1869, the building of a new Station in Leeds above the river led to the creation of the 'Dark Arches', a commanding series of red-brick vaults that lined an access tunnel built beneath the station. Impressively, the original series of grand viaducts still remain, connecting the River Aire to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and providing important architectural history to the area. Our ambient restaurant space once stored and distributed goods, shipped nationwide, from this very same river; our towering windows now perfectly frame the sweeping vistas of the river basin.

In 2009, Granary Wharf underwent its transformation into the vibrant destination we know it as today. Having restored the abandoned Victorian railway arches into the canal quarters, the area is a particularly vibrant hub within the heritage site. By day, the varied mix of Granary Wharf inhabitants makes it one of Leeds’ most popular spots for dining, entertainment, and outdoor events, all along the serine river's frontage. For evening diners, the glittering reflections of lights across the water, paired with boats gliding past, make for an unforgettable atmosphere. Blending original rustic features like exposed brick walls with warm wooden furnishings, our Leeds restaurant pays homage to the history of this district while creating an inviting space for its new chapter.

Between the vibrant waterfront setting, paying homage to the Victorian transport origins, and our warm and inviting ambiance, our Leeds restaurant seamlessly integrates into the bustling cosmopolitan energy of Granary Wharf. While its unique history and culture offers the perfect backdrop for Fazenda Leeds, we are most enthusiastic about sharing our contemporary South American dining experience with loyal locals and discerning patrons from near and far. The experience of great times and great food enjoyed together has always been intrinsic to everything we do at Fazenda, and what better place to have started our journey in sharing this with you than Leeds.