The hotly anticipated Six by Nico finally opens in Leeds this week, bringing a refreshingly inventive yet more modestly priced approach to the city’s fine dining scene. The restaurant’s debut menu, The Chippie, is a nostalgic affair that gives the British seaside staple a posh, pimped-up twist to great effect.
We caught up with the brand’s founder, Glaswegian entrepreneur, and all round decent chap Nico Simeone to chat everything food (read our Six by Nico review here).
Great to meet you Nico – can’t wait to try the new menu. So, you’ve enjoyed success with Six by Nico across the country- what made you choose Leeds for your latest venture?
Nice to meet you too! Yeah of course, so as you know we have been very lucky to continue our growth after a challenging few years for hospitality. So even just being able to open new locations is huge for us, and something I am truly grateful for. When I look for a new location, I’ll work closely with the teams to understand our customers and what they love, then, we look for cities that we feel would love what we do.
We had been looking at Leeds for a few years, and then 2020 happened. It was put on pause for quite a while understandably, but it was always in our plan. I love the city and find a lot of similarities in the friendliness of it to Glasgow. For us, making sure that we enter a city that has a friendly atmosphere is important, as our restaurant is relaxed and welcoming, so we want to make sure this matches.
The Chippie seems to be a personal favourite concept for you – what makes it so special to you and what was the inspiration behind its latest incarnation?
When I was younger, my family had a chip shop. I can vaguely remember days when I would go down on the weekend and help out. It holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of time spent with family. When I decided to create Six by Nico, I knew tapping into this was important to me so, here we have The Chippie. Since 2017, the menu has gone from strength to strength as of course, practice makes perfect. It is one of my favourite menus, but more so because of the personal connection.
Where’s your favourite place to get traditional fish & chips?
It has to be my uncle’s chip shop, Simeone’s in Glasgow’s West End. It’s my paternal uncle’s place and I’ve been going there for years. I think they honestly do the best fish and chips — but then again, they probably know just how I like it after all, they are family.
What’s your idea of food heaven?
It has to be my Nonna’s Sugo. This is my earliest food memory; my earliest memories are with my family around the table every Sunday afternoon. My family has a proud Italian heritage and my cousins, aunties and uncles were always a big part of my childhood. My Nonna’s Sugo was one of the first things I learned to make with memories of my childhood watching my Nonna prepare Sugo (sauce) – it was a staple in her cooking repertoire.
… and food hell? Are there any dishes or ingredients you’d resign to room 101?
It may seem obvious, but no matter how amazing the meal you’re eating, if it’s under seasoned it should be sent to ‘room 101’.
What’s your food guilty pleasure?
Believe it or not, Beans on Toast with Worcestershire sauce is my guilty pleasure! Perfect for a lazy Sunday or quick snack.
And finally, what can we expect next from Six by Nico in Leeds?
Focusing on the creativity of our menus and food, it will show another side to the talent and skill of the team – chefs and front of house – in Leeds. Every new menu brings us a new chance to show the city what we can do, and ensure that with every course, you’re transported to a memory, place or idea that has inspired the menu you are enjoying. Keep your eyes peeled, we have no doubt Leeds will love it just as much as The Chippie.
Six by Nico Leeds is open now and The Chippie is available until the 13th of August. Read our full review here.
Words by Fletch.