Manchester's famous Antipodean cafe and brunch spot, Federal, has finally confirmed its opening date here in Leeds.
Better still, they're giving away a whopping 1,000 completely FREE drinks to celebrate.
For anyone unfamiliar with the favourite Anzac brand, which already has three different and equally busy branches in Manchester - not to mention a pop-up in Altrincham Market - it brings Australian and New Zealand cuisine to the bustling city centre.
Some of you might not know much about Aussie and Kiwi food (many of us didn't before we first visited this place, to tell the truth), but with unreal eggs, bagels, bakes, coffees and more, there's plenty of 'tucker' to tuck into.
"Leeds has the same buzz and a growing independent brunch scene similar to Manchester. We don’t expand for the sake of it; we wait for the right time and the right energy for Federal!
"Everything we do is fuelled by passion for great brunch, great coffee and crafting the perfect space to ensure every one of our guests leaves brighter."
They said it themselves: they've been waiting for the right time to set the date, and giving Yorkshire an early Christmas present sounds as good a time as any to us.
Now 11 years on from their first site opening in Manchester city centre, Federal lands in Leeds on Monday, 15 December.
Better still, they'll be celebrating their first weekend in the region with the aforementioned free drinks.
They're even promising some exclusive Leeds-centric merch and a special new martini inspired by the city, too...
Opening doors to their new venue at 34 Boar Lane on Saturday and Sunday from 8am, there'll be a total of 1,000 free coffees available to the public.
Speaking ahead of the Leeds launch, Ribeiro said: “We’re incredibly excited to officially announce 15 December as our opening date. There’s a real buzz around Federal coming to Leeds, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.
“Leeds shares so much of the energy we love about Manchester, a thriving independent scene and a genuine passion for great food and coffee.
"Bringing Federal to Yorkshire feels like the perfect next chapter, and we’re gearing up for an amazing launch."
See you in the queues - which, by the way, you can soon expect to line up almost every weekend for the foreseeable future.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Danny Jones -
2nd December 2025 
