Leeds indie restaurant smashes crowdfunding goal

An independent bistro restaurant in Leeds has smashed its £25,000 crowdfunding goal, set up to fund the business's move to a bigger venue.

The Swine that Dines, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, launched its crowdfunding campaign on Friday, 7 June, achieving its initial target in just 48 hours. It is now close to reaching its extended target of £40,000 to help them purchase a 'Swinemobile' van to help them cater for private events. 

"We're completely overwhelmed by the support we've received for our crowdfunder and are on cloud nine to have hit, and then overtaken, our initial target. Thank you to everyone who invested – it means so much to us.

"The Swine is a real labour of love which we've nurtured and grown through some tough times," she adds. "We've seen so many restaurants close their doors over the last few years, that for us to finally realise our dream of opening a bigger Swine in the city we call home is a real privilege."

Swine 2.0

The current Swine that Dines site is too small, with only an 18-cover capacity and a tiny kitchen that can only accommodate two chefs, with limited fridge and storage space. 

The proposed new restaurant will double its covers to 30, also including a private dining room with an additional 15 covers. It is expected to open this autumn. 

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