WHAT a year we’ve had Leeds.
With a new opening almost every week of the year, you can’t say we’ve not been bowled over with new places to eat, drink, dance, play – even work. 2023 has seen one of the biggest transformations of the city centre and suburbs if you ask us, and there’s no sign of anything coming to a halt in 2024.
Keep reading to find out about all the best new openings in and around Leeds, and what’s in store for 2024…
Boar Lane, Leeds city centre | Opening January 2023
From the masterminds behind Doh’hut came Things In Bread, kicking off the new year with a new city centre sandwich shop was ready to satisfy all your lunchtime cravings. Opening from early January and was one of the biggest talking points for locals looking for lunch in 2023.
With regular queues down the road for a bite of Shokupan-style bread and fish fingers, BLT, pigs in blankets or a brekkie barm, Things In Bread isn’t showing any signs of slowing down soon.
Find out more here.
North Lane, Headingley | Opened early 2023
Expect exposed brick, moody lighting, neon signs and potted plants aplenty, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows to flood the place with natural light.
On the menu you’ll find seasonal dishes like freshly made soup of the day, tuna melt grilled sandwich with homemade red onion chutney and a vegan SLT (that’s vegan sausages, lettuce and tomato with houmous), as well as pancakes stacked high with Nutella, banana and Biscofff, Eggs Benny with a twist and delicious avocado on toast with roast veggies, pesto and feta.
Find out more here.
Delivery only | Opened February 2023
Thatziki is serving up authentic Greek cuisine which transports you straight to the Mediterranean – we’re talking juicy gyros, crispy halloumi fries and a range of hotboxes filled to the brim with 24 hour marinated meat, fresh Greek salad, seasoned fries and warm pita bread. Available now on delivery platforms, it’s time to treat yourself and get your Greek on.
Find out more here.
The Boulevard, Leeds Dock | Opened February 2023
Department is situated in the former waterside casino building on Leeds Dock. The plot has undergone an incredible transformation into a community for modern businesses that are after more flexibility, amenity and experiences from their working environment.
The workspace is now open to Leeds’ most exciting creative, media, tech and digital businesses who are looking to redefine the way they work.
Find out more here.
North Lane, Leeds city centre | Opened March 2023
Known for serving high quality British gastropub grub to the people of Harrogate, Three’s A Crowd expanded and opened up a new site on North Street, Leeds earlier this year.
The lunch menu consists of bigger plates, sides as well as smaller plates which are perfect for sharing amongst friends over a crisp glass of wine. A standout dish was the steaming hot bowl of mussels served in a creamy leek and garlic sauce, served with the welcome addition of some homemade focaccia bread to mop up the juices.
Find out more here.
Otley Road, Headingley | Opened March 2023
Rudy’s Pizza Napolentana, one of Leeds’ favourite pizza joints, opened its third Leeds restaurant back in March. Now we’re not short of places to grab a slice in Leeds, but this is certainly a new opening that will have foodies queuing at the door.
The new site appeared on Otley Road in Headingley, and there’ will be’s ample opportunity to taste test the authentic Neapolitan classics. The relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria with over 100 covers in the bustling heart of the area offering interior and al-fresco dining.
Find out more here.
Fish Street, Leeds city centre | Opened May 2023
The Empire Cafe promised a blend of old school hospitality and new-wave gastronomy when announcing its opening at the start of the year, and it sure didn’t disappoint. No. 6 Fish Street, in Leeds old Shambles is a culinary feast to the city centre. Just a stone’s throw from Leeds Victoria Quarter and the markets, owner Sam Pullen and his partner Nicole Deighton plan to elevate local ingredients with barbecue flavours, right in the heart of Leeds.
The menu focuses on local produce brought to life by a ‘wall of flame’ rotisserie. Rotisserie chickens will be spinning around the clock, available to sit in, or takeaway, dredged in house made butters and aioli’s.
Find out more here.
Merrion Centre, Leeds city centre | Opened April 2023
A haven of old school Levi’s, tartan shirts, trinkets, and nearly-untouched pieces from the 70s, the original three-floor Call Lane store has been a mainstay for vintage lovers in the city for decades.
Since moving to its new Leeds location just over the road last year, Blue Rinse continues to showcase the best of its vintage selection across a whopping five floors, each with their own unique style and plenty of one-off pieces waiting to be rediscovered and reloved. Now adding a brand new store to Leeds, the popular vintage fashion store is set to open a city centre outlet inside the Merrion Centre in Leeds’ Arena Quarter.
The 3,679 square foot store opened over Easter and includes a vintage collection named ‘Remade in England’, stocking range of upcycled and repurposed vintage garments and feature exclusive reworked clothing lines and one-off pieces.
Find out more here.
Cross Park Street, Leeds city centre | Opened May 2023
IF… Rooftop has taken over the former East Parade Social site on Cross Park Street. A brand new rooftop terrace that offers tasty cocktails, a fun atmosphere, panoramic views of Leeds’ skyline and a reyt good space to boogie.
The space boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and is a perfect spot to sip a tipple whilst basking in the sun. The new bar promises IF’s tasty cocktails, live DJ’s and a fun party atmosphere against the atmospheric city skyline.
The menu spans from your usual lagers and cocktail menu to frozen alcoholic slushies, including the super cooling frozen margaritas, all served to the beat of soft house music and well known anthems as the sun goes down.
Find out more here.
The Headrow | Opened May 2023
Indian restaurant tamatanga, known for its hearty, home-style Indian food, announced the opening of its fourth restaurant back in May. Founded in Nottingham in 2008, tamatanga is a casual, laid back Indian eatery serving up delicious home-style food.
Find out more here.
Lands Lane, Leeds | Opened June 2023
Located slap bang in the heart of the city, the new POCO took over the former Yorkshire Bank unit in June and is now bringing copious amounts of pizza al taglio to the masses in the process.
The team never fail to have a huge selection of eat, including pizza slices with flavours that change by the day: the vegan slice with mushrooms, peppers and copious amounts of spinach is a standout favourite, but there’s everything from ham and potato slices to fennel sausage to choose from.
Find out more here.
Armley Nano Park | Opened May 2023
Libations Rum has opened its doors right here in Leeds and you can now see how one of the city’s favourite indie rum suppliers creates its award-winning spirits.
Founded in 2019, by ex-industry professionals Chloe Potter and Rory Armstrong, the pair have been slowly bringing the city a whole new spirit experience, sharing their name with pop-up events aplenty over the past few years.
Now settled in their very own distillery, you can take a peek behind the closed doors once a week and find out exactly what goes into making the popular spirit.
Find out more here.
Merrion Centre | Opened June 2023
The new VIP K-Cube venue comes from the same owners as Blue Sakura, has just opened having been undergoing renovations over the past year or so, 82-90 Merrion Street.
The karaoke bars has space for up to 65 guests with each room able to take on 6, 8, 10 or 20 ‘aspiring rockstars’ at a time. There’s also be drinks packages and light bites to order via waiter service to enjoy whilst singing in the private karaoke rooms.
Find out more here.
Sheepscar, Leeds | Opened summer 2023
Following on from the success of the Ilkley brewery and taproom, Bini Brew has opened a second location close to the city centre. Crafting modern beers with hoppy pale ales, IPAs, lagers, sours and DIPAs on offer – it’s a great spot to find a new favourite tipple
Find out more here.
Brudenell Road, Leeds | Opened June 2023
Bringing back the last remaining gas lit cinema in the country has now reopened following an extensive renovation to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
Find out more here.
Inside Grand Arcade | Opened summer 2023
The newest Thai restaurant in Leeds has took over the former Simpatico building inside the Queens Arcade – right next door to the original Olive & Rye cafe. There’s takeaway lunch options downstairs, whilst upstairs is home to a more formal seating area, perfect for an impromptu evening out.
Find out more here.
On top of BOX, Headingley, Otley Road | Opened summer 2023
Headingley’s new rooftop bar opened on the third floor of BOX – and it’s such a sun trap. Headingley Heights is full of everything you need and more – equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX. And yes, before you ask, it’s open to the Otley Run too.
Find out more here.
Inside Department, Leeds Dock | Now open
Called Fearns, the new social dining concept got its name from the small parcel of land, known locally as Fearns Island, nearby to its home in Department. The land will house an allotment for the kitchen team to grow seasonal produce, herbs, and flora in the coming months.
Headed up by Jade Crawley, former Head Chef at The Tetley Bar and Kitchen and Eat Your Greens, the new foodie spot promises a brand new sustainable hospitality process that centres around local produce. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Fearns will be a new destination for every meal. The menu comes has been strewn together using Yorkshire ingredients, taking creative influence from kitchens across Europe.
Find out more here.
Top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre | Opening July 2023
Leeds has now got its very first Slim Chickens. The casual fast food joint took over the former Carluccio’s site last month to bring the city fresh tenders, juicy burgers, wings and shakes.
Find out more here.
Armley Road, Leeds | Opened July 2023
The Brudenell, Belgrave Music Hall and Welcome, Project House have joined forces to bring the city a brand new gig spot. The 1,000 person capacity venue brings together far more than just a new space to jam out on a Friday night.
Named Project House, the multi-purpose venue combines music, markets, parties, even adding in a new restaurant concept and exhibition and conference space. Naturally with a big new opening comes an impressive list of events ready to go for the opening season, and has already seen performances from Bombay Bicycle Club and Nothing But Thieves, with Royal Blood lined up over summer.
Find out more here.
City Square, Leeds City Centre | Opened August 2023
Having temporarily closed to undergo a huge £2 million refurbishment project, Restaurant Bar and Grill reopened this summer with some exciting new features. Inspired by the grandeur of New York’s Grand Central Station, the relaunch saw the already well-known venue step up a notch with a brand new entrance, marble floors and deep walnut panelling.
A new feature bar is centre of attention, along with the new olive green leather banquettes. The menu is big on steak, but the makeover will also see the installation of a Southbend Steakhouse Grill – the secret to cooking an even steak every single time.
Find out more here.
New Road Side, Horsforth | Opening summer 2023
Much-loved local brewers Kirkstall Brewery has joined forces with five star Indian restaurant Dastaan, based in Adel, to bring together a fusion of Indian street food and IPAs, in a brand new setting.
Kirkstall Brewery announced it would be taking over the former Banyan site on New Road Side in Horsforth in May. The working title Karobar has now been changed to The Three Swords, which opened in August and brings together the best of Kirkstall Brewery’s beers with ‘modern fusion’ Indian street food that’s been inspired by trends seen back in India.
Find out more here.
Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open for delivery orders now, with restaurant to follow later this summer
Trissur Pooram is a new family-run restaurant that’s bringing a taste of South Indian cuisine to Burley, Kirkstall and beyond.
The menu spans from traditional curries (including plenty of biriyani variations and others straight from the clay oven) to dosas and desserts. Dishes that have got us talking include the Kallumakaya, mussels roasted in south Indian spices, onions and chillies; Devil Chicken Curry and the Masala Bonda: potato masala deep fried with gram flour and served with a coconut chutney.
Find out more here.
East Parade, Leeds City Centre | Opened summer 2023
Everyone’s favourite brunch spot If Up North opened up a new location in the city centre – and yes, there’s bottomless brunch served to the masses and we absolutely can’t wait to get our hands on one.
Expect all the classics from their original brunch menu as well as some tasty new dishes – mouthwatering pancake stacks, epic fry-ups that could cure any hangover and sweet treats which go perfectly with a cup of tea.
Find out more here.
Call Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened August 2023
The family-run business has already seen success as a pop-up operating as the ‘Role-Play Roundabout’ in Keighley, but now Leeds has its own version. The Hidden Village has have eight different role play areas, as well as an eco-friendly toy shop and cafe for grown ups.
The role play area hosts plenty of places for little ones to imagine themselves in a whole new world. Based around a little village, there will be a vets, cafe, shop, salon, post office, police station, fire engine and construction site for kids to choose from.
Find out more here.
Merrion Centre, Leeds City Centre | Opened August 2023
New 80 seater South Indian coastal boutique eatery, Ma-Hé, opened inside the Merrion Centre this summer and will bring a unique style of South Indian coastal cookery to The Merrion Centre later down the line.
The new restaurant will showcase five different cuisines from India’s coastlines, with a carefully crafted menu containing an array of small plates from five main regions including Goa, Mangalore, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra.
Find out more here.
Belheim Terrace, Woodhouse | Opened summer 2023
Boba at 24 has only been open for a few months now, but it’s already proving extremely popular for its soufflé pancakes and bubble tea. The viral pancakes have been popping up all over the place in the capital, and now Leeds has joined the hype with sweet and savoury flavours aplenty available over at Boba.
Located opposite the University of Leeds Parkinson Steps in a cosy underground cafe, choose from the likes of Biscoff and Nutella, fresh cream and fruit or maple syrup to pair with cheesecakes, coffees, rice balls or traditional teas.
Find out more here.
Mabgate, Leeds City Centre | Opened September 2023
The Leeds People’s Gym is an inclusive space for fitness that puts its members first. Owners Chris and Daniel said “we both live in Leeds and have found our home here, and had an idea to create something where we as two queer folks could workout and access fitness in a space that wasn’t overwhelming and intimidating – so we did it”.
Find out more here.
Inside Meanwood Tavern, Stainbeck Road, Meanwood | Opened September 2023
Taking over from much-loved Detroit-style, Well Oiled, Pizza Loco joined Meanwood Tavern in September, and the menu speaks for itself.
Think pizza sarnies and Neapolitan pizzas with soft, light and airy crusts, with interesting, generous toppings and an emphasis on sustainable British ingredients including Wildfarmed UK-grown and milled organic flour, Yorkshire-grown organic tomatoes, and British charcuterie.
Lunchtime will see the signature Pizza Loco Panuozzi pizza-dough butties showcased, whilst evenings will be reserved for those big Neapolitan slices.
Find out more here.
Lands Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened September 2023
The new restaurant has just opened its second location on Lands Lane in Leeds City Centre, with an already cult following in Harrogate we were expecting big things, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The breakfast menu is served until 4pm and consists of all the classics you could imagine, from the hangover-curing full english to the protein-packed eggs on toast.
Find out more here.
Otley Road, Adel | Opened September 2023
Following on from the success of The Meanwood Brewery’s boozy offerings, The Foundation will be opening a modern contemporary taproom over in Adel. Serving up everything from signature breakfasts and coffees to a range of craft beers, wines, cocktails and more – this is certainly going to be one to watch!
Find out more here.
Church Institute, Lands Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened autumn 2023
New affordable steakhouse Flat Iron has opened in Leeds, continuing the restaurant’s expansion beyond the capital. Launching to fame back in 2012 with accessible feather blade steaks served at £10, Flat Iron has since expanded across London to a total of 12 sites.
The fairly priced steak restaurant has taken over the former Church Institute on Lands Lane in what will be a 110-cover eatery.
Find out more here.
Inside Leeds Merrion Centre | Opened autumn 2023
Blue Pavilion has been in the works for quite some time. Having first advertised its opening well over twelve months ago, the restaurant is now ready to open to the public, having poured £3 million into the Merrion Centre restaurant space.
From the owners of Japanese dining experience Blue Sakura, Blue Pavilion hopes to build on its raving reviews from foodies across the city and expanding its offering with a menu packed with Chinese culinary favourites.
Find out more here.
The Headrow, Leeds City Centre | Opened November 2023
These Japanese souffle pancakes are unlike anything else you’ll have seen in Leeds. They’re at least twice the size of your classic pancakes, light and airy for that soufle-style texture.
Apparently the secret behind each pancake is egg whites whipped to soft peaks before being cooked at a low temperature – and now you’ll be able to get a taste for yourself.
Find out more here.
Boar Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened November 2023
The London-born pizzeria is expanding, and Leeds was lucky enough to have been chosen as its next stop in November.
Taking over the former Beer Hawk site, there’s fluffy ‘bready’ bases, slightly charred for that authentic Neapolitan taste, dusted off with fresh tomato marinara sauce and mozzarella – each paired with a different combination of toppings.
Find out more here.
Great George Street, Leeds City Centre | Opened November 2023
Popular Leeds brewery Northern Monk has taken over the former Assembly Underground site with ‘The Northern Market’ – a brand new city centre venture from the famous brewery, featuring a bustling food market, beer hall and of course a fully stocked bar pouring the freshest Northern Monk beers from 10 tap lines and on-site beer tanks.
Find out more here.
Albion Street, Leeds City Centre | Opened November 2023
American cinnamon roll specialist Cinnabon has landed in Leeds and you can bet that everything in-store is already going down a treat!
The concept originally started with a father and son duo trying to create the perfect cinnamon roll from scratch in the 80s, and now almost 50 years on, you can find Cinnabon across the world – including 12 sites in the UK alone.
Find out more here.
Railway Street, Marsh Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened autumn 2023
A bar dedicated to alcoholic ginger beer has opened inside a Leeds railway arch in what owners are calling a ‘UK first’. Brought to the city centre by husband and wife team Giuseppe ‘Gez’ Romano and Ele Romano, the new venture comes from Wakefield-based brewery DMC.
What first began as a kitchen brew back in 2018 has spiralled into a fully-fledged business, after Gez – who was formerly a head chef at a top Leeds restaurant – and his partner Ele found themselves with a newborn baby and little energy or time to go out.
Find out more here.
Roundhay Road, Oakwood | Opened December 2023
Taking over the former The Pantry site on Roundhay Road in Oakwood, The Cheesy Living Co.has brought a new multi-storey store to the suburbs, with everything we love about the flagship Corn Exchange store, and plenty more besides.
Think cheesemongers meets ‘posh off licence’, with fresh coffee in the daytime, fondue in the afternoon and cosy nights with a bottle of sustainable wine.
Find out more here.
South Parade, Leeds City Centre | Opened December 2023
Expect a modern take on Greek cuisine to South Parade at stylish new restaurant, Olive Tree branch, joining the likes of locations in Lytham, Chester and Stockton Heath, with the brand planning further expansion across the North.
Following an incredible £700k investment, the South Parade location marks a new iteration for the brand’s interior. Where usually the restaurants are modern and highly Instagrammable, the Leeds restaurant transports you to the idyllic Mediterranean holiday destination.
Find out more here.
Inside Project House, Armley Road | Opened December 2023
Brunch is served with ‘pancake stacks, breakfast flatbreads and the obligatory Bloody Mary ‘to boot’ whilst evenings promise a host of meaty, doughy, sweet, sour and savoury delights – we can’t wait to find out what’s on the menu inside Project Houses’ latest addition.
Find out more here.
Merrion Street, Leeds City Centre | Opened December 2023
Chance & Counters is known down south for its inviting setting, and seemingly endless supply of board games. And now the cafe company has taken over the former Yard & Coop site on Merrion Street.
The cafes are all centred around a library of 500 board games: there’s everything from old-school family favourites to new releases, and everything in between. It’s not just games here too – all that competitive spirit is bound to work up an appetite. By day, grab a coffee and light lunch and craft beer or cocktail in the evening, with hearty pub grub like smash burgers, tacos, loaded fries and wings.
Find out more here.
Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre | Opened December 2023
Headingley’s sustainable clothes and lifestyle store moved in December to the city centre this week and became a one-stop for alterations, thoughtful gifts and a proper treasure trove filled with one-off clothing designs.
Find out more here.
406 Burley Road, Kirkstall | Opened December 2023
Chunk Cookies is your friendly local vegan cookie supplier, and if you’ve been eating out and about around the city centre over the last three years, there’s good chance you’ve sampled some of these sweet stuffed treats. Now, you can grab your caffeine and treats first hand from the first Chunk Cookies store.
Find out more here.
The new year will bring a host of new spots to Leeds, from fancy champagne and seafood bars to neighbourhood bistros and food halls – and we can’t wait.
Opening early 2024 | The Calls, Leeds City Centre
Based just 200 metres from where it all began, Latitude will be moving into 46 The Calls, becoming neighbours with KAPOW! Coffee, Screen Yorkshire, and Yorkshire Design Group the new Latitude Tasting Room and shop will allow locals from near and far to pop in for a tipple of their choice, seven days a week.
Expect wine by the glass, and ever-evolving specials served as the sun goes down, with a choice of 900 different bottles for a small corkage fee. Meanwhile, the spirits list aims to give customers a change to try flavours and brands that they wouldn’t usually be able to – and of course there will by plenty of opportunities to buy the bottles you taste test too.
Find out more here.
Opening early 2024 | Town Street, Horsforth
Named Bavette, the opening is the first venture from ex-Culpeper Group MD and Head Chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Restaurant Manager and sommelier Clément Cousin. Combining their previous experience at the likes of Brawn and The Buxton and Eat Your Greens here in Leeds, the duo plan to serve up a seasonal menu with wnes from Clément’s family vineyard in France.
The seasonal menu is expected to feature ‘classically-inspired dishes such as Pork Belly Rillons, Frisé Salad and Ravigote Sauce, Halibut, Vin Jaune Sauce & Buttered Leeks or Paris-Brest’, all of which can be perfectly paired with wine from the family vineyard or other exciting low intervention bottles from across Europe.
Find out more here.
Opening 2024 | The Light, Leeds City Centre
Inside the former home of Tiger Tiger (and more recently, Cargo), a new opening will split the site in two for a bar and club with a proper ‘party atmosphere’. The ground floor will welcome Carousel, an upmarket bar that will offer a chilled experience during the day with quality food and drink on offer combined with arcade games.
Upstairs will welcome Home nightclub, a multi-room club offering aiming to be Leeds’ number one late night attraction. Home will feature great DJs, high levels of production and special VIP experiences for those special occasions.
Find out more here.
Opening January 2024 | Victoria Quarter, Leeds City Centre
The fire and ice themed bar has just opened in Manchester, and now has begun work to open in Leeds early next year. The swanky bar will be opening inside the former East 59th site, and whilst very little has been released about the Leeds opening apart from its location, we’re in for a proper Champagne bar with everything from Grilled Lobster Tails to Australian Wagyu Tomahawk and Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye on the menu if the new Manchester site is anything go by.
Find out more here.
Opening January 2024 | Bond Street, Leeds City Centre
Although there is no official opening date yet announced, Maki & Ramen Leeds has started work to take over the former Pret A Manger site on Bond Street toward the end of the year, and we think it will be a fantastic addition to the city’s flourishing food scene.
Their extensive menu is set to include platters of fresh sushi, Katsu curry, bao buns, stir-fried noodle dishes and a range of popular Japanese side dishes such as gyoza, takoyaki and edamame.
They also serve a range of cocktails, beers, wine and soft drinks for diners to enjoy alongside their food. The interior of other branches is light and airy, with relaxed booth seating and cherry blossom branches cascading from the ceiling.
Find out more here.
Opening date unknown | Briggate, Leeds City Centre
Work is now underway for the former Debenhams site on Briggate to become a new flagship Flannels store. The news was announced back in August following the whopping 120,000sq ft, seven storey store opening in Liverpool.
Find out more here.
Opening early 2024 | Cloth Hall Street, Leeds City Centre
The owners behind one of Leeds’ most-loved pubs is bringing a brand new opening to the city centre: our very own food and drink hall.
This exciting new opening is set to bring together a whole host of independents, including Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology Brewery and Whitewood Distilling, amongst other food traders. Expect all the charm from the oldest pub in Leeds, but the idea is that this new opening won’t be a replica of Whitelock’s Ale House, it’s going to be far from it.
Find out more here.
Feature Image – The Hoot Leeds