A Hollywood great has been seen dining at UYARE, the luxury rooftop restaurant in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Mads Mikkelsen, who has starred in roles such as Hannibal as well as portraying arguably the best James Bond villain yet in Casino Royale, visited the new Leeds spot over the weekend.
It wasn't just Mikkelsen bringing a taste of Hollywood to the restaurant, either.
He was visiting UYARE with Oscar-winning editor Lee Smith, who edited Dunkirk and Inception, and producer Pascal Degove.
The trio visited the South Indian restaurant and bar to discuss their upcoming project, Sirius, a new Arctic action-thriller that will be Smith's directional debut.
Mads was seen posing for photos with staff, and personally thanked Chef Ajith Kumar and Chef Francis.
Mads Mikkelsen and his crew feasted on a spread of fiery starters like masala fried cauliflower, crispy fried fish, and punchy Kanthari chicken.
Then he tucked into Pothu Koonu Masala - a buffalo curry - Kunjaadu curry, and a king prawn Chemmeen roast for mains, with Kerela parathas and carrot coconut rice.
UYARE is the beautiful new rooftop restaurant from the team behind Tharavadu, taking over the sky-high former Issoh site at Victoria Gate.
The team have a knack for attracting some serious star power, with visits from Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, and the entire Indian cricket team across at Tharavadu.
But Mads Mikkelsen is the biggest name to grace the new rooftop restaurant.
The UYARE team said: "Our staff aren’t new to high-profile guests. After all, our sister restaurant, Tharavadu, has seen the likes of Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, Virat Kohli, and the entire Indian Cricket Team over the past 11 years.
"We’re proud to bring that same hospitality and excellence to UYARE."
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to 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.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2025 
