A beloved Leeds coffee shop has left fans heartbroken today after posting a notice on its social media pages alerting them to a temporary closure.
Mrs Athas in Leeds city centre has left customers 'gutted' after it shared it would be shutting its doors for now because of 'mounting costs' and the knock on effects of 'building works' outside.
According to owners at Mrs Athas, this is having 'an almost ruinous effect' and has led to the shop's weekday trade being 'absolutely decimated.'
The post continued: "We are on the brink. If this shop didn't mean so much to me personally and I wasn't so emotionally invested in every single aspect of it then I would have already called it a day.
Image: Mrs Atha's
"Everyone knows how much this place means to me. My grandma's name is above the door. I love doing what I do. I love the people. Our amazing loyal customers. I love this city."
Owners at Mrs Athas also went on to accuse Leeds City Council of having 'no concern' for small businesses, adding that 'it is not in their interests to care.'
The statement has led council bosses to share a statement in response on Leeds City Council's official Instagram channel.
Appearing as an Instagram story, the statement from the council said: "Announcement: We are sorry to hear today about the impacts of ongoing work outside of Mrs Atha's and surrounding businesses and we have reached out to them directly to discuss how we can support them going forward.
Image: Mrs Atha's
"We would encourage businesses within the city centre to get in touch with our city centre management team if they feel there are problems that we could work with them on to find solutions."
Prior to the release of the statement by Leeds City Council Mrs Atha's owners revealed that Tuesday, 20 June would be the last day of trade for the time being whilst they take 'some time to take stock of what is going on and figure out a way to proceed.'
The closure post, which has been liked nearly 2,000 times at the time of writing, summarised: "It's a sad day. But it's not the end. It's just the beginning of a next phase.'
Featured image - Mrs Athas
Eats
A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is set to open in Leeds this spring
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley very soon.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok girlies, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.m
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and although we don't have a confirmed opening date we've got a feeling they'll be 'scooping' very soon.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Georgina Pellant -
20th June 2023 
