A new hacienda hangout has landed in our city and we're sure it's going to be the place to be this summer.
There's only one thing better then a bar, and that is a rooftop bar. And that's everything that Azotea is and more.
To put it bluntly, entering this venue which is on top of the Hyatt Hotel on Sovereign Street will get you instantly feeling like you're on Love Island.
We're talking fire pits, plush booth seating, lavish greenery and plenty of rattan - the interior really is stunning.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's two massive rooftops which offer jaw dropping views of the city, as well as one long dining room and bar area for when it gets a bit chilly (which let's be honest, is the majority of the time).
Azotea is bringing a slice of Latin America to the city, with a menu inspired by 33 countries.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Expect Mexican street food, Brazilian sharing steaks, Caribbean small plates and so much more to dig your teeth into whilst enjoying the beautiful setting.
There's also a cracking cocktail list for those sun set drinks with friends, of course.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you are wanting to sit outside on one of the bigger tables, it won't come cheap as Azotea will be requesting deposits for group bookings over eight as well as minimum spends.
However, for a special occasion there really isn't anything like it in the city and the views themselves make it worth the money.
Azotea is now open, and you can find out more about the venue and book your table here.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
14th March 2025 
