Popeyes has officially opened its doors in Leeds City Centre, and it's safe to say that it's already gone down an absolute storm.
Located on Commercial Street, the new restaurant opened its doors at 11am bringing its signature New Orleans hospitality to the area with a live performance from Mardi Gras style band, The Brass Funkeys.
What a way to kickstart the day.
To commemorate the highly-anticipated launch day, customers had the chance to snap a photo in the new Popeyes bite booth and the first three people in the queue were given free Chicken Sandwiches for an entire year.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Over one hundred fans lined up, some from as early as 10:50pm the night before - now that is dedication.
Minjun Gwak, a student at The University of Leeds, was the very first customer through the doors, saying: “Popeyes is the best chicken ever! The Sandwich is world-famous for a reason, so I knew I had to be the first in line!”
Friends Kieran Gibbs and Jack Otobo who arrived at 11:30pm having meticulously planned for three days to secure their spot in the queue said: “We were trying to work out when to arrive to be the first, but Minjun and Joe beat us to it. Still, this is the best chicken we’ve ever had, and we’ve had a proper laugh!” said Gibbs.
Customers can now dive into the full Popeyes menu from the new restaurant, including fan-favourites like the Chicken Sandwich, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps in Classic, Spicy, and BBQ.
And that's not all, starting tomorrow on Saturday 5 April, Popeyes will be serving up its breakfast menu featuring breakfast rolls, muffins, biscuits and cajun hash browns.
Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “The response to our Leeds opening has been incredible, with fans lining up well in advance to experience our famous Louisiana chicken.
"With such a warm welcome from the people of Leeds, we’re looking forward to bringing our famous Louisiana flavours to even more key cities around the UK. We’ll be sharing news about upcoming locations very soon, so stay tuned!”.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
4th April 2025 
