In this month’s Leeds’ Own, we delve into the life of Tom Zanetti, a prominent figure in the Leeds club scene. At just 25 years old, Zanetti is a multi-talented entrepreneur who has accomplished an impressive amount already. Join us as we explore his humble beginnings, music career, and new restaurant venture.
The Early Years
Tom Zanetti was born and raised in Leeds, living in areas such as Gipton, Belle Isle, and Rothwell. He attended Royds School but was expelled and sent to Tinshall Learning Centre until the age of 16. Despite his expulsion, Zanetti was academically talented and aspired to own a nightclub.
Entering the Music Scene
Tom’s interest in music began at school when he recorded a CD of him MCing over some baseline tracks. This CD became popular and led to his first club performance at Funkybass. Tom then partnered with Kristian to take Funkybass to various clubs and eventually took over the promotion of Casa Loco. This venture led to the creation of Insomnia, a successful club night that became the foundation for the company Sleepin is Cheatin (SIC).
The SIC Empire
Tom and his friend Kane Towny expanded SIC into a company managing a range of events, a record label, and a clothing line. The duo shared their music on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, garnering millions of views and later launching SIC Records.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Despite his hectic schedule, Tom always prioritizes spending quality time with his son, Deaconn, who often partakes in his father’s activities such as Thai boxing and modeling.
La Fuego: A New Restaurant Venture
Recently, Tom partnered with Matty Evans to open La Fuego, a tapas restaurant managed by his mother. With a focus on quality ingredients from Leeds Market and a great location, the restaurant aims to become a hotspot for family time and delicious food.
The Love for Leeds
Tom credits Leeds for shaping him into the person he is today. The city has fostered an environment where people can express themselves freely and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Some of Tom’s favorite places to eat and hang out in Leeds include Gaucho, San Carlo, Teppanjaki, Oracle, Fibre, and Distrikt.
Follow Tom Zanetti on Twitter and Instagram @TomZanettiTZ, or visit his new restaurant, La Fuego, on New York Street to experience his story firsthand.