Fast food restaurant chain Leon wants to extend its opening hours in Oxford city centre.

The chain, which aims to sell "nutritional fast food", has about 78 outlets in the UK, including a restaurant in Cornmarket, which opened in 2016.

Its website says: "The menu draws inspiration from the richness, flavours and natural healthiness of Mediterranean cooking, the odd dish that evokes our childhood memories of sunshine-soaked holidays, and even nostalgic trips to fast food restaurants.

"We celebrate the natural rhythms of nature, so the menu changes across the seasons."

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Dishes on the menu include a plant-based burger,  chicken satay in a box, grilled halloumi wrap, gluten-free chicken nuggets, jerk n' jam wrap, Vegan Moroccan meatballs, and a Korean chicken wrap.

Leon's opening hours are from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7.30am to 9pm on Sunday.

Oxford Mail: Staff at LeonIt has applied to the city council to extend its opening hours, so it can open from 6am to 3am seven days a week.

Planning consultant Planware said in the application: "The proposal seeks greater flexibility of operating hours within the city centre location.

"Other existing similar operators have far greater flexibility, such as McDonald’s from 6am to 3am and Kebab King open until 4am, as examples.

"It is therefore proposed for the opening hours to be 6am to 3am to reflect similar premises.

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"Late night opening would be subject to a licence, in line with the Licencing Act 2003."

Oxford Mail: Leon in OxfordThe application also seeks a change of use from its current mixed use retail and restaurant or cafe to commercial, business and service and or hot food takeaway.

The planning consultant added: "The proposal seeks to provide greater flexibility within the use class to re-let the unit.

"This will provide a broader range of potential uses, adding to the retail and leisure offering within the city centre."

Leon opened in late 2016 on the site of the former HMV store.

It created 30 jobs and provided seating for 136 customers.

Oxford Mail: Burgers at LeonChief executive officer John Vincent said at the time: "We make naturally fast food that tastes good, does you good and is kind to the planet.

"Oxford is a city where you study, work and play hard.

"We want to be there when you need us so you can get on with all of that.

"This will be one of our biggest, most family-friendly sites."

The décor featured an original paper cut by artist Helen Musselwhite to celebrate the Leon story, and there are also portraits of Leon suppliers taken by Harry Borden, former winner of the World Press Photo Awards.

The change of use to a more flexible use could make it easier for Leon to find another occupier if it decided to leave Cornmarket.

The Leon chain was bought by EG Group in 2021.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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