Leeds has been blessed with some truly exciting new openings over the past few months.
From new workspaces to brunch spots, pizzerias, cocktail bars and everything in between, Leeds has been buzzing with a new opening seemingly every week since the start of the year.
With five new spots opened in February, six coming to Leeds in the next month or so and three more later this year – it’s going to be a busy few months testing out all the new spots to eat, drink, work and play.
Just opened in the last month…
Residence Headingley
North Lane, Headingley | Now open
Expect exposed brick, moody lighting, neon signs and potted plants aplenty, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows to flood the place with natural light.
On the menu you’ll find seasonal dishes like freshly made soup of the day, tuna melt grilled sandwich with homemade red onion chutney and a vegan SLT (that’s vegan sausages, lettuce and tomato with houmous), as well as pancakes stacked high with Nutella, banana and Biscofff, Eggs Benny with a twist and delicious avocado on toast with roast veggies, pesto and feta.
Find out more here.
Thatziki
Delivery only | Now open
Thatziki is serving up authentic Greek cuisine which transports you straight to the Mediterranean – we’re talking juicy gyros, crispy halloumi fries and a range of hotboxes filled to the brim with 24 hour marinated meat, fresh Greek salad, seasoned fries and warm pita bread. Available now on delivery platforms, it’s time to treat yourself and get your Greek on.
Find out more here.
Department
The Boulevard, Leeds Dock | Now open
Department is situated in the former waterside casino building on Leeds Dock. The plot has undergone an incredible transformation into a community for modern businesses that are after more flexibility, amenity and experiences from their working environment.
The workspace is now open to Leeds’ most exciting creative, media, tech and digital businesses who are looking to redefine the way they work.
Find out more here.
MyMakan
Town Street, Horsforth | Now open
Promising a ‘culinary journey that takes you straight to the heart of Malaysia’, MyMakan prides itself on using fresh, quality ingredients to ensure that each bite is just as flavoursome as the next.
On the menu you’ll find a whole host of traditional crowdpleasers like Nasi Lemak and Satay, as well as more unusual, but nonetheless exciting combinations like Mee Goreng and Char Kuey Teow.
Find out more here.
Millie’s Cookies
Popular bakery chain Millie’s Cookies has opened up a brand new store on the Headrow in Leeds city centre. Founded in 1985, Millie’s Cookies is a popular chain of retail bakeries famous for their delicious cookies (obviously).
They also serve up a range of hot drinks, muffins and novelty gifts such as gigantic heart-shaped cookies which customers can customise with their own messages written in colourful icing.
Find out more here.
Kanto
Ring Road, Beeston | Now open
Having just officially opened its doors in Beeston, South Leeds, Kanto is an eclectic feast full of east Asian favourites. The family-run eatery is thought to be the first of its kind and will be operating predominantly as a takeaway service, with space for a relaxed and cosy dining experience inside the doors too.
On the menu, expect to see classic Katsu curries, rice bowls, noodles and spring rolls between lesser known delights like Filipino Lechon Kawali pork belly- all at an affordable price.
Find out more here.
Opening in the next month or so…
Rudy’s Headingley
Otley Road, Headingley | Opening Monday 13 March
Rudy’s Pizza Napolentana, one of Leeds’ favourite pizza joints, is opening its third Leeds restaurant.Now we’re not short of places to grab a slice in Leeds, but this is certainly a new opening that will have foodies queuing at the door.
The new site will see a new foodie hotspot appear on Otley Road in Headingley, and there will be ample opportunity to taste test the authentic Neapolitan classics. The relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria with over 100 covers in the bustling heart of the area offering interior and al-fresco dining.
Find out more here.
POCO Sicilian
Secret location, Leeds | Opening
In a post announcing the news, Poco said: “Oops!… We did it again Poco Number 3 is coming to Leeds very soon! We’ve been keeping this a secret for a while but we’ve finally got the keys to the premises and can’t wait to turn this spot into yet another beautiful Poco store”
“This time, it’s going to be the smallest Poco so far but in the location most of you will love (hint, hint).You know the rules guys – the first person to guess the new location as accurate as possible – gets a prize! P.S.: We will announce the exact location and even show it to you shortly – stay tuned”
Find out more here.
The Empire Cafe
Fish Street, Leeds city centre | Opening March 2023
Promising a blend of old school hospitality and new-wave gastronomy, No. 6 Fish Street, in Leeds old Shambles spot is going to truly bring a culinary feast to the city centre. Just a stone’s throw from Leeds Victoria Quarter and the markets, owner Sam Pullen and his partner Nicole Deighton plan to elevate local ingredients with barbecue flavours, right in the heart of Leeds.
The menu focuses on local produce brought to life by a ‘wall of flame’ rotisserie. Rotisserie chickens will be spinning around the clock, available to sit in, or takeaway, dredged in house made butters and aioli’s.
Find out more here.
The Savvy Baker Fuelled
The Savvy Baker is opening their first ever ‘Fuelled’ cafe inside a brand new gym in North Leeds, focusing on protein packed, vegan and gluten-free goodies. Their focus will be on protein-filled treats such as protein brownies, energy balls, flapjacks as well as shakes and smoothies.
There will also be a range of healthier bakes including gluten free goodies and vegan bakes, all served alongside delicious coffee from North Star Coffee Roasters. Of course there will also be a range of their original bakes for when gym-goers are on their cheat day and looking to indulge.
Find out more here.
Canvas Yard
Holbeck Village | Opening April 2023
Canvas Yard is an exciting, cultural collaboration between Moda Living and New Citizens. This dedicated event space will be based in city centre and is the first instalment in the plan for the site to become a vibrant new neighbourhood in Leeds.
Canvas Yard will span over 103,000sqft and will have a whopping capacity of up to 5,000 people. It will be the largest open-air events space in the city and will attract world renowned artists and creators.
Find out more here.
Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road, Leeds | Opening April 2023
Bringing back the last remaining gas lit cinema in the country, doors will open in April 2023 following an extensive renovation to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
Find out more here.
Later this year…
Jamrock
Kirkgate, Leeds city centre | Opening date unknown
At a hearing on Tuesday 11 October 2022, it was said that the opening of the Caribbean restaurant would help cultural and economic growth and as it is a food based offering, will not cause significant noise disruption. There were no objections at the hearing and in conclusion, the restaurant will be allowed to sell alcohol until 10.30pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Find out more here.
Golf Fang
Redcote Lane | Opening date unknown
This may be a golf-first opening, but the street food options here are set to attract plenty of attention in its own right.
Set to open in late autumn 2022, the Liverpool-born entertainment-street food-crazy golf concept will land just moments form the city centre and set up on Redcote Lane, Kirkstall. The will be a full 18 hole course to get through, with ample opportunity to see some familiar faces, like TV’s Jeremy Kyle on the course as well as some of Gold Fang’s best known holes like the Teddy Picker and Tunnel of Love on their themed courses.
TADA
Otley Road, Headingley | Opening date unknown
There’s a huge array of eateries and cuisine in and around Headingley, and now with new kids on the block TADA joining Otley Road, you’ll be able to dine on Japanese cuisine as well.
The restaurant will be split across two floors. The bottom floor will serve as a traditional sushi bar and the top will serve grilled yakitori skewers and bowls of comforting ramen alongside a carefully curated list of trendy cocktails, sakes and Japanese whiskeys. Set to open this summer, we can’t wait to try it out.
You can find more new opening in Leeds on our TikTok here.
@thehootleeds New openings! 🫶 #leeds #leedsuni #foryou #fyp #newopening #visitleeds #vrexperience #yorkshire #placestovisit #placestogo ♬ One Fine Day – Moondial
Feature Image- The Empire Cafe