Moods Leeds Review: Tattoos, Haircuts and Small Plates in a Grade II-Listed Cloth Hall

Moods, a new all-day restaurant, bar, tattoo parlour and hair salon, has opened in Leeds’ historic First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate, a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1711 with roof timbers from the 1470s. The venue is the brainchild of Will and Hayley Moody, who also run Buzz Club Tattoo Studio and the Self hair and beauty salon, with the kitchen reportedly led by Craig Rogan. The building was on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for over 20 years and was saved through efforts by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Leeds Civic Trust and developer Rushbond. The review finds the food puzzling, with dishes like king scallops with ’nduja and violetta potato with ox cheek, and a crumpet with an unappealing texture. While the concept may seem odd, it highlights the creative, if desperate, reuse of heritage buildings in a struggling hospitality sector. The future of dining may well involve small plates, buzzcuts and half-sleeve tattoos under ancient timbers.