Cinnamon Kitchen, the renowned modern Indian restaurant led by Executive Chef Vivek Singh, is set to open its first northern site in Leeds.
The restaurant and bar is launching in partnership with The Queens Hotel and will bring traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques to Yorkshire.
Vivek Singh has built up a reputation in the hospitality industry through his five restaurants and regularly appears on popular television programmes such as Saturday Kitchen and Masterchef.
Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds will take its inspiration from historic Indian railway first class waiting rooms, reflecting the site's connection and proximity to Leeds train station.
Images: Supplied
The beautiful space will feature high ceilings, Art Deco elements, and a striking mural that captures the essence of India’s diverse landscapes.
The menu will take inspiration from the 2,355-mile journey of the Himsagar Express, a train route that spans 12 Indian states.
Cinnamon Kitchen's signature dishes will include Masala Grilled Salmon, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie.
Image: Supplied
Vivek Singh commented, “We’re excited to be opening at The Queens Hotel, where the heritage of this iconic railway hotel perfectly complements our vision. The interiors are inspired by some of India’s most beautiful first-class waiting rooms, and our menu takes diners on a journey through 12 diverse states.
"With Bradford celebrating its year as UK City of Culture 2025, it’s the perfect time to bring Cinnamon Kitchen to Leeds.”
Alistair Campbell, General Manager at The Queens Hotel, added, “Cinnamon Kitchen is a fantastic addition to The Queens and to Leeds as a whole. The combination of Vivek Singh’s expertise and the unique concept behind this restaurant will bring something truly special to the city’s culinary landscape.”
The restaurant is currently recruiting for numerous roles including general manager and head chef.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
20th February 2025 
