With so many new openings popping up in Leeds, we're losing count of where to visit next.
It really does feel as if Leeds has hit its post-pandemic stride. New venues are opening by the week, each bringing innovative ideas; expansion projects and never-seen-before events to the city centre and beyond- and we love that we're able to share each new opening with you.
The faces behind the glamorous parties and all of the running around that’s involved in a new launch is the team at Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon. Whilst the team don't handle every single opening in the city, they're responsible for the majority of big events and are locally known as the 'go to' for all things PR social events.
We sat down with owner Jordan Odu and PR and Events Assistant, Lydia Kirton to find out where we should visit this spring.
House of Koko, Oakwood
Opened March 2021.
Image: House of Koko
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton and now Oakwood locals can understand the hype as the company opened its second site in the leafy suburb last month.
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews. By April, House of Koko intends to channel a little of Owner Rosita’s other venue, too – Distrikt bar in the city centre. They will open in the evenings, offering a supper menu of small plates alongside wine and cocktails – and perhaps even DJs.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “House of Koko has definitely proven to be one of Chapel Allerton’s favourite brunch spots, so it is very exciting that they are opening a second branch in Oakwood.
"House of Koko is renowned for its healthy and indulgent brunch dishes, alongside plenty of delicious vegan options! Our favourites have got to be the Turkish eggs and the Maple syrup smothered banana and pecan pancakes. If you are ever in the area – House of Koko is one of our favourite brunch spots!”
Located in the leafy suburbs of Roundhay, The Savvy Baker has opened its first cafe on Lidgett Lane. The new cafe, open from 8.30am Thursday 31 March, will be stocking all of Leeds’ favourite baked goods, expect all their usual brownies, brookies, cookies, flapjacks, cakes, tarts, sticky stuff and serving up Leeds’ famous North Star coffee.
The cafe is beautifully decorated with photographs of The Savvy Baker treats: think close up brownie shots oozing with caramel framed on coffee-coloured walls; cozy seating and intimate lighting creating a warming atmosphere from the moment you step inside the cafe.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “We have absolutely loved working with Savannah throughout all of her major milestones since starting The Savvy Baker back during the first lockdown in 2020…
"Nothing beats Savvy Baker Brownies alongside delicious North Star Coffee. The recently launched brownie tubs and the snickers brookies are our favourites!”
Few have managed to achieve the right balance of meat and carbs, but since MEAT:STACK launched back in 2016, they have quickly become a cult favourite for American-style burgers and shakes.
The success of their burgers followed them onto the main streets and now they’re bringing their attention to detail, authentic preparation methods and moreish flavour combo to Leeds. With ten different burger combos to choose from, including a pork and beef patty breakfast burger, vegan fried ‘chicken’ burger and a regularly changing monthly special, we have to say the menu really does look immense. It’s a cheat day treat if ever we saw one.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “Meat:Stack is definitely the new American Cheeseburger joint that the city needed… The independent burger restaurant will be arriving from Newcastle in May… bringing Leeds classic American cheeseburgers, the ultimate American breakfast and a range of fries…
"Our favourite is definitely the parmesan truffle fries. If you are in Leeds over summer you should definitely visit Meat:Stack!”
To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the restaurant is throwing it back to 2002 and bringing back their original menu to celebrate.
Back in 2002, there weren't many Thai restaurants around but Ban Kaewkraikhot opened her very first Sukhothai restaurant (named after the small-town north of Bangkok where she was raised) in Chapel Allerton in April 2002, bringing with her a lifetime passion for Thai cuisine which began at an early age with her mother’s cooking in rural Thailand.
Diners will be able to pair these nostalgic dishes with the current specials on the modern day menu for a true time-travelling experience through the senses.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “Sukhothai is one of Leeds most iconic Thai Restaurants, I remember clearly when it first opened in Chappel Allerton back in 2002 – since then it has grown to be one of Yorkshire’s most respected Thai Restaurants and we are delighted to be working alongside them to celebrate their 20th Birthday.
"Sukhothai are bringing back lots of their most loved dishes to celebrate this huge milestone, one of my personal favourites is the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon - succulent lamb stir-fried green curry, served on a sizzling hot plate… Delicious!”
Coming soon...
We’re expecting some huge new openings over the coming months and we can't wait to hear more from Jordan, Lydia and the rest of the PGHL team will be able to tell us all about them soon.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
