Leeds' favourite 'modern kind of deli' is growing yet again.
Taking over the former The Pantry site on Roundhay Road in Oakwood, The Cheesy Living Co. is going to be bringing a new multi-storey store to the suburbs, and it's set to bring everything we love about the flagship Corn Exchange store, and plenty more besides.
Think cheesemongers meets 'posh off licence', with fresh coffee in the daytime, fondue in the afternoon and cosy nights with a bottle of sustainable wine.
It's safe to say that the fondue offering at the Corn Exchange has been a huge success, where else in the city centre can you dip rosemary and paprika potatoes, crusty baguette bits and even Yorkshire puds into a molten pot of gooey Swiss cheese? Naturally this will be a big feature at the new Cheesy Living Co. site, with space for 35 seats on the lower level of the store.
Sunday lunch fondue at The Cheesy Living Co. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Expect everything you love about the Corn Exchange store - and more besides, from the new Oakwood opening.
The space also plans to be used for fine dining and collab nights, working with local independents to bring three course dinners (usually with a nod to the cheese selection instore, of course), enhancing the existing offering that's brought foodies into the Corn Ex on a Thursday night for the past year or so.
And that's not all, by day, you'll be able to grab a coffee and shop for all your favourite cheese and charcuterie (yes, the cheese fridge in Oakwood is going to be even bigger), as well as sustainable wines, Thiccc sauces, Stuzzi 'nduja ketchup, Reet Yorkshire Relishes, Yorkshire crisps and all those all-important kitchen items that the Corn Exchange site is currently overflowing with.
North Brewing Co. beers and a selection of wines will be available on-tap for cosy autumn evenings hiding out in the suburbs - this exciting new opening really does have a function for every meal, occasion and season, and with anything unlike it in the area, we can't wait to see how well the 'modern kind of deli' is received.
The Cheesy Living Co. owners Jake and Soph said that months ago they walked past The Pantry and peering in, instantly began daydreaming about what they could do with a larger space in the suburbs.
Owners of The Pantry closed last week with a heartfelt message, explaining that they "have had an offer we cannot refuse and will be passing over the unit to a super exciting business", and with a desire to focus on their exciting catering business Blue Pepper Catering, it was the perfect opportunity to hand over the reigns and let another indie business take over the Roundhay Road site.
That's one (of the million) reasons to support your local independents, there's a true community going on behind the scenes, each championing on the next - and this is just one example of how The Cheesy Living Co. and The Pantry have paved the path for each other to follow.
There's no opening date announced just yet as renovations are still taking place, but Jake and Soph hope to open the store around mid-late November.
We can't wait to
About The Cheesy Living Co.
The Cheesy Living Co. has quickly become Leeds go-to supplier for all things cheese, charcuterie and 'posh' off licence bits like sustainable wines and sauces.
After taking a passion project full-time during the second Covid lockdown, owners Jake and Soph haven’t looked back since the launch of The Cheesy Living Co. in 2020 - and it's easy to see why the duo have had so much success over the past three years.
Supplying the likes of renowned chef Matt Healy’s Horsforth restaurant Forde with farmer’s cured meats and ingredients, but still managing to attend just about every small business and foodie market across the city, The Cheesy Living Co. is one of the most humbled businesses in Leeds.
Aware of the popularity of their products, but taking things slow and making conscious business decisions, co-owner Jake spent years in hospitality before taking the plunge to launch his own business- and the time spent learning the intricacies of the industry shows.
With the help Soph, the other half of the business, the pair is ensuring that The Cheesy Living Co. is slowly making its way around the Leeds foodie scene – and now with their pup Cheddar joining the team and a second store opening, it really feels like the indie deli company is taking over the city and suburbs, in the best possible way.
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Salon Madre – the new tequila bar and pool hall that’s just opened in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
We’ve been waiting for this one and trust us, it’s just as good as we’d hoped.
If you’re a fan of a cheeky margarita, a taco and a bit of a boogie then this is the spot for you - and let’s be honest, who isn’t.
Introducing Salon Madre, made famous over in Manchester and now with another spot in Liverpool, think late nights fuelled by margaritas, cosy dates over tacos and lively game nights.
The new Leeds site is located on Wellington Street, perfect for those wrapping up work over on Wellington Place and looking to blow off some steam.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is huge, with floor to ceiling windows letting loads of light in during the day and plenty of red neon lights setting the vibe for the evening.
There's about 20 different variations of margaritas and tequilas on the menu, as well as fresh Mexican beers on tap if you're not ready for a shot just yet.
But it's not just about the drink, the food menu is top notch too.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's tacos and quesadillas all made with hand-pressed tortillas, twice-cooked chicken wings in a range of flavours from Mexican cola to Yucatan buffalo, and of course there's stacked nachos which are perfect for snacking on between sips of margarita.
If you're feeling competitive then they've got six pool tables as well as darts, and Lucha Libre on the big screens if you'd rather watch the play happen than play yourself.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Salon Madre will have DJs on in the evening and on a Friday and Saturday they'll even be open til 1am.
Welcome Salon Madre, we can't wait for this to become our new late-night party destination. You can take a look at their menu here.
Sophie Smith -
26th October 2023 
