Feature

Independent Leeds matcha stand forced to close by council despite 3,000 people signing petition

'thank you for every sip, share and signature.'

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 4th November 2026

An independent matcha stand in Leeds has been forced to closed due to council concerns.

You may remember back in August when the whole of Leeds rallied to save Sips Matcha over in Headingley.

The front garden matcha spot has become a firm favourite for students and locals alike over the past year, gaining more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.

The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' is located in the residential area of Little Woodhouse and is run by the lovely Matt and Julia.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

However, in August their retroactive planning application was rejected by the council and they were given 28 days to remove the shed.

In a published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons were listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.

The electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, listed spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.

In response, Matt and Julia launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.

Despite over 3,000 signatures, Sips Matcha have announced on their social media today that the shed must be removed by the end of November.

The statement reads: "our retrospective planning was declined, we appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. then the dreaded email arrived: the shed has to come down by the end of november.

"we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working out what happens next. over 3,000 of you signed the petition and it meant the world. thank you for every sip, share and signature. come say hi while we’re still here."

We're absolutely gutted for them, so make sure you pop by for a matcha before the end of November to give them a proper farewell.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Feature

One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.

And guess what? It's even better than the first.

Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.

Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.

This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.

The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.

She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.

You can find out more and book your table here.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Feature

Here are six of the most exciting new restaurants and cafes coming to Leeds this year

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The year is almost coming to an end, but Leeds is still bursting at the seams with plenty of new openings.

We love talking about food here at The Hoot, so allow us to indulge and let you know what foodie spots are opening in the city over the next couple of months.

Recently we've had everything from rotisserie chicken shops to Miami-inspired bodegas open up, and it seems like 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving...

Acai and the Tribe

88 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH

It's been a long time coming but we hope you haven’t forgotten that viral matcha and acai spot Acai and the Tribe is coming to Vicar Lane very soon.

Known for its colourful acai bowls, smoothies and coffee, the brand already has locations across the UK, and now its setting up shop in Leeds.

Joe & the Juice

1 Trinity St, LS1 6AP

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Girlies grab your Stanley cups and book that pilates class, because Joe and the Juice is finally coming to Leeds. ⁠
⁠
It's been open across the pond in Manchester for just over a year now, and we've been waiting with bated breath to see when they'd make the triumphant step to LS1.⁠ Well, the time has come…get ready for all the matcha, juices, coffees and, of course, their iconic Tunacado sandwich. ⁠

Read more: Viral juice brand Joe & The Juice is opening in Leeds city centre

Egg & Co

Leeds city centre

Image: The Manc Group

This much loved breakfast spot do one thing and one thing very well...egg sandwiches.

And it may be a familiar name to some of you lot, as Egg & Co recently opened up on bustling Deansgate in Manchester as well as inside Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield.

This will be their first site in Leeds, though, and we're very 'egg-cited' about it...sorry.

Read more: Popular egg sandwich shop Egg & Co is opening in Leeds city centre

Burgerism

16 Duncan St, LS1 6DL

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.

The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties, funky branding, and quick, reliable service. Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order.

After opening in Meanwood just a few weeks ago they're now coming to the city centre, get in.

Read more: One of the UK’s cult-favourite burger chains is coming to Leeds city centre

Lano Noodles

Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8NG

Image: Supplied

If you're a fan of thick, chewy noodles, then you're going to like this one.

And that's because The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to welcome Lano Noodles, an authentic hand-pulled noodle spot. Specialising in freshly made noodles, authentic Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup and traditional Chinese snacks, the independent restaurant will be unlike anything you can currently find in the city.

Read more: An authentic hand-pulled noodle restaurant is coming to Leeds city centre

Yo-Go Frozen Yoghurt

Headingley

Image: Supplied

Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.

We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.

The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.

Read more: A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is coming to Leeds

Featured image - The Manc Group / Supplied

More Feature

Feature

Architects secure planning permission for jaw-dropping ‘boulder house’ on Ilkley Moor

Eats

A pub in Leeds has been crowned the third best in Britain by The Good Food Guide

Eats

10 brilliant new bars, restaurants and cafes that have opened in Leeds recently