We may be coming to the end of the year, but there's still plenty of new arriving in the city before 2025 is over.
It's safe to say we've have some fabulous new openings touch down in the city this year.
From new pubs by the canal to Scandinavian-inspired cafes, we really have been very lucky.
But we're not done just yet, as there's more to come before the year is out and we're here to tell you about five that we're most excited about.
So, let's see what's making its way to Leeds shall we...
Pop Mart
78 Briggate
Image: The Hoot Leeds
LeedsLabubu lovers (try saying that three times), your beloved Pop Mart is on its way.
Pop Mart has officially been granted permission for alterations and the fitting of a new sign for the building at 78 Briggate. So get ready, as the viral toy and collectables shop is just around the corner.
‘Vinyl Grounds’ will be serving up three of our favourite things rolled into one – coffee, wine and vinyl.
The brain child of Saroop and Jay, two Leeds locals with a passion for starting a business, the new spot is currently undergoing major renovation with an aim to open at the end of November.
So, what can we expect from Vinyl Grounds? During the day Vinyl Grounds will be a place to work or sit back and relax with friends whilst enjoying a fabulous coffee or matcha, all to the soundtrack of some smooth jazz played via vinyl of course.
Once Upon A Vine is a gorgeous independent wine shop and bar nestled in Horsforth, known for its fabulous tasting room and cheese boards to match.
And after applying for a license to open in Headingley that has just been approved, they’re about to open their second site on Otley Road.
The Victoria
Great George Street
Image: Supplied
You may remember back in January 2024, two of Leeds beer powerhouses announced they’d be collaborating and bringing an iconic pub back to life. Well after a few set backs, it is finally happening.
Kirkstall Brewery and the owners of Whitelock’s Ale House are set to breathe new life into The Victoria & Commercial Pub on Great George Street, located behind Leeds Town Hall.
It is set to open this Christmas, and we absolutely cannot wait.
The Savvy Baker is opening its first ever city centre cafe, and we couldn’t be prouder.
The cafe will be located on Bond Street next to Boots, a stone’s throw away from the train station and Trinity Shopping Centre.
Of course you’ll be able to grab all your favourite brownies, blondies, cookies and other bakes, but there’s some other exciting stuff in the works too.
For the first time ever the shop will feature a dedicated cookie bakery where customers will be able to watch (and smell) all the magic happening through the window. How class is that?
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
18th November 2025 
