Having outgrown the arches, Latitude is moving to a larger space on The Calls with the exciting addition of a seating area.
Latitude has become a real go-to for all things boozy over the past 15 years. First opening under the arches back in 2008, the store has grown from showcasing around 440 products to a whopping 1900+.
Now with five times its original stock, and over 9000 loyal customers, the 660 sq ft flagship store has become rather cramped, and now owner Chris Hill is taking the leap to open a brand new space that will allow him to not only stock even more of the wines and spirits that we know and love Latitude for, but also incorporate its very own wine bar.
Based just 200 metres from where it all began, Latitude will be moving into 46 The Calls, becoming neighbours with KAPOW! Coffee, Screen Yorkshire, and Yorkshire Design Group the new Latitude Tasting Room and shop will allow locals from near and far to pop in for a tipple of their choice, seven days a week.
The idea is that the space will be designed and purpose built by and for wine and spirit lovers and it is hoped that Latitude can add something different to the Leeds nightlife scene.
Expect wine by the glass, and ever-evolving specials served as the sun goes down, with a choice of 900 different bottles for a small corkage fee. Meanwhile, the spirits list aims to give customers a change to try flavours and brands that they wouldn't usually be able to - and of course there will by plenty of opportunities to buy the bottles you taste test too.
Pairing perfectly with the wine list, cheese and charcuterie boards will be available throughout the evening, and you'll find a carefully curated list of events for foodies and wannabe sommeliers alike.
Owner Max Whisker said: " After over 25 years working in (and with) some of Leeds finest bars and restaurants I cannot wait to have an actual proper bar to serve behind. Expect the finest cheese and charcuterie, a small but focused cocktail menu made with only the finest ingredients, and an opportunity to try any one of thousands of products on our (brand new) shelves".
A new cocktail bar is coming to Leeds city centre.
If you know a thing or two about cocktails, or just drinks in general, then you're going to be very excited about this news.
The very talented team behind Roland's on Call Lane and The Domino Club, just to name a few, are setting their sites on a brand-new venture.
Introducing Paper Plane, an intimate new cocktail bar that will be taking over the old Casa site in the city's beautiful Grand Arcade.
Paper Plane will be inspired by the glamour of 1970s air travel and will be a vinyl-only listening bar, serving a world-inspired cocktail menu alongside a carefully curated whisky collection.
The space will be lovely and intimate, with around just 40 covers, designed to transport guests somewhere completely different from the minute they step foot through the door.
And what a location too, joining a whole host of fantastic independents in the arcade such as Alfonso's Deli, Stuzzi and Sonder.
For now, we don't know many more details about the project, but we already know it's going to be exceptional cas anything these guys do turns to gold.
Not only has Roland's been consistently one of the busiest bars on Call Lane since they opened back in 2014, but The Domino Club was recently crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Now that is some accolade worth shouting about.
We'll keep you updated with Paper Plane's progress, but Roland's have stated that the site is hoping to open this coming autumn. So we really don't have long to wait.
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
Clementine Hall
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Sophie Smith -
20th December 2023 
