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.
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Now go and smash it!
Featured Images — Run For All (supplied)
Feature
All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.
So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.
From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).
So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.
RAW Coffee
10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.
And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.
It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.
Federal
Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.
MADE
165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.
Tsujiri
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.
It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.
Cup + Lid
29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.
You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.
The Savvy Baker
27 Albion Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?
Pole Pole
60 North Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Sonder
27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.
But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.
Hii Grind
King Edward St, LS1 6BR
Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.
We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
