Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we’re here to tell you all about them.
Three quarters of the way into the year and it's safe to say 2025 has brought some banging new openings to the city.
It sometimes can be overwhelming to know where to visit with all the 'newness', so we've rounded up five of our favourite spots that have opened recently for your perusal.
Enjoy and we'll be back in a few months with even more newness.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Brewery Place
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s a new tavern in town and it’s celebrating all things Leeds.
Introducing the Brewery Wharf Tavern, a new riverside pub from the absolute masterminds behind Whitelock’s Ale House, The Meanwood Tavern and White Cloth Hall.Â
Overlooking the River Aire taking over the spot previously occupied by Home on Brewery Place, the Brewery Wharf Tavern boasts an absolutely banging beer garden with fantastic views of the river.
But the inside is just as great, with a striking mural by Nicolas Dixon wrapping around the interior and plush maroon booths and 70s-inspired seating filling the space.
Leeds has just turned up the heat with its first-ever bottomless Mediterranean tapas restaurant and trust us, La Fiesta is bringing all the flavour, all the fun, and all the fiesta feels.
Tuck into a whirlwind of plates inspired by Spain, Turkey and Greece, from sizzling paella to perfectly-cured Spanish meats. Sip your way through crisp Spanish wines, sun-soaked cocktails, and jug after glorious jug of sangria, because one glass is never enough.
Fat Hippo
Boar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
City dwellers, the wait is finally over for you as the burger bosses Fat Hippo have brought their buns to Boar Lane.
Think stacked, saucy, sky-high burgers, plus starters and sides that are anything but a side note. And don’t worry plant-based pals because their vegan and veggie creations are so good they’ll make you relish every bite.
LeSon Leeds
Kirkgate
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This gorgeous brand-new Vietnamese restaurant has just touched down on Kirkgate, and it's our new go-to spot for banging banh mis, warming bowls of noodles and traditional egg coffee and matcha. Delicious.
Crowded House
Trinity Shopping Centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Three's A Crowd comes Crowded House, a swanky new rooftop bar and restaurant that has taken the coveted spot where Angelica's and Crafthouse used to stand.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, great cocktails and a well curated all-day dining menu for every occasion.
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.
Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaà bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.
Images: The Sheff
And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaà bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Clementine Hall -
10th September 2025 
