Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we’re here to fill you in on our favourites.
So far 2025 has brought a whole lot of newness to the city, from a fabulous new pub to a gorgeous independent ice cream shop, it's safe to say it's giving us lots to brag about.
But if you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months (and to be honest we don’t blame you for doing so), then allow us to show off for a minute about five of our favourites.
So, without further ado…
Melting Point Ice Cream
Downstairs in the Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Melting Point Ice Cream is your newest independent ice cream spot and its putting Ben and Jerry's to shame.
Leeds’ own Willy Wonka, Johno is serving up next-level flavours, from indulgent Peanut Butter & Coconut to the daring Goat’s Cheese & Stem Ginger, yes Goat’s Cheese Ice Cream
And if you’re craving something a little more refreshing, then the Mango Sorbet is calling your name. Ranging from £3.50 to £7, depending on the amount of scoops, this spot has got you covered.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Pudsey, 8 Church Lane, LS28 7BD
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everyone's favourite deli and eatery, The Cheesy Living Co., opened in Pudsey last month and it's unsurprisingly absolutely brilliant.
This beautiful sun-drenched spot is kitted out in Cheesy’s signature style, with shelves adorned with local goodies and neon signs jazzing up the walls.
Here you'll find everything from fluffy focaccia sarnies to customisable charcuterie boards and their signature fondue.
The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One of the most highly-anticipated openings of the year is ready and raring to welcome guests to their brand-new spot in Headingley… we’re of course talking about the wonderful Swine Bistro.
Jo and Stu are the definition of a dream team who have been refining their craft over the past twelve years, and their new restaurant is a testament to their talent.
It’s an absolutely wonderful spot which they’ve renovated all themselves, but although the space may be new they’re still cooking and serving the food they love and we assure you you’ll love it too.
The Highland Laddie
36 Cavendish Street, Leeds, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The impressive team behind The Empire Cafe have a brand new venture - The Highland Laddie is a new gastropub that’s taking over the old The Highland pub and bringing it back to its former glory (and then some).
Thought and care runs throughout this pub from the perfectly considered renovations to the elevated classics like the hefty sausage roll and flavoursome chicken drumsticks.
Alfonso's
4-5 Grand Arcade, LS1 6PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Exciting news folks, Alfonso's deli has finally touched down in Leeds.
From the team behind Thiccc Sauce, this spot is all about cold cuts, smoked meats and stacked New York-style sandwiches that’ll have you questioning if you’re still in the Grand Arcade or somewhere in Brooklyn.
Madre is one of those few restaurants that has been making us jealous of Manchester for years - but finally, it’s Leeds’ turn.
A couple of months after the launch of Salon Madre, a colourful pool hall and taqueria, it’s time for Leeds to welcome its sister restaurant.
Madre will open its doors on Wellington Place this week, promising to educate us all in the art of ‘sobremesa’, which means to linger at the table long after the meal is over.
And trust us, after popping in for a sneak peek today, you won’t be in a rush to leave this place.
The unit has been totally transformed by the Madre team - it’s all jagged angles on the tables and soft curves on the walls, with a colour palette that goes all the way from deep terracotta to neon green.
From an open kitchen you can see the team constructing tacos and piling oysters with jalapeño mignonette and salsa brava.
The menu is split neatly into four sections - snacks (elote, wings, Caesar salad and guac); raw (oysters, tuna tostadas, and aguachile); tacos (including birria); and parilla (wood-fired dishes like BBQ octopus and slow cooked lamb breast).
Click through the gallery below to see inside Madre Leeds
Madre LeedsA selection of the Madre Leeds menuDishes at Madre in LeedsMargaritas are a mustBeef birria tacosFire-roasted mushrooms with egg yolkMadre opens in Leeds this weekBone marrowMadre on Wellington PlaceOysters with salsa
Pull up a seat at a tile-topped table and you can expect to dig into everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Pop down on a Tuesday and you can take advantage of Madre’s two-for-one taco deal - we can’t really think of a better evening than tucking into dinner at Madre before heading across the road for happy hour margs and a game of pool at Salon Madre.
Madre is brought to the city by the teams behind London’s famous Breddos Tacos and esteemed Liverpudlian eatery Belzan.
Leeds’ first frozen yoghurt bar is opening in Headingley this weekend
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley in just a few days.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok and Instagram girlies as of late, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and they've just announced that they'll be soft launching this Sunday 19 April 2026.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Clementine Hall -
28th April 2025 
