A new, exclusive VIP bar opening in Leeds looks set to become the new home of the city's glitterati.
Called HUSH, this swanky new members-only bar on Hirst’s Yard has recently undergone a 100k refurbishment and is preparing to open its doors in June.
Located above Mook and next to Dollhouse, it can only be accessed via a private entrance with room for just 70 covers inside. Private booths, a private dancefloor and table service are all on offer to those who make it inside.
Once seated, members and their guests will use a direct booking line which acts as a concierge service with premium bottle service and additional exclusive benefits.
So far, 100 gold VIP cards have been gifted to select sportspeople, TV personalities and influencers from in and around Leeds.
Application requests for black membership cards will also be made available, giving successful people access to pre-book.
HUSH will open Friday and Saturdays until late, as well as shosting private events in its space throughout the week.
Speaking on the new opening, founder Stephen said: ''The VIP bar concept is certainly nothing new in Leeds, however, HUSH offers so much more than your average members-only bar and has already caught the attention of the Leeds elite.
"In a world where social media rules, privacy is more precious than ever and that's exactly what our members will receive - bespoke nights out, tailored to their every desire, in a space where they can let their hair down.
’Whether our members are looking to celebrate a birthday, a big business deal or simply let their hair down, our dedicated team will design the perfect night for them via our concierge service. We can’t wait to welcome our members this opening weekend!”
For more information, follow @hush.vip on Instagram.
Eats
Beloved Leeds Malaysian cafe known for its authentic home cooking announces sudden closure
A much-loved independent restaurant in Leeds has announced it will be closing its doors.
Kuala Lumpur Cafe opened its doors in Headingley in 2019 by Bart and Hirman, who wanted to bring authentic Malaysian cooking to the city of Leeds.
Throughout the years, they'd built up a reputation for their beautiful curries and vibrant street food dishes, all of which were made using Hirman's family recipes.
So much so, that in 2024 they opened a kitchen inside White Cloth Hall in the city centre when the Grade II listed food hall first opened.
Their kitchen sadly closed a year later, but their Headingley restaurant remained open serving the students and locals with their famous beef rendang, nasi lemak and more.
Sadly, Kuala Lumpur Cafe have taken to social media to announce that they will be closing their doors for good as of this Saturday 17 October.
Their statement reads: "Thank you to all our customers and team that made Kuala Lumpur Cafe possible across the last few years. After a long consideration, we have decided that our last trading day will be Saturday 17 October.
"If you have a booking after this date, we'll be calling you over the next few days to try to move it to an earlier date before we close.
"It's been our pleasure to serve Malaysian food to the community. Best regards, KL Cafe."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, local businesses and customers flocked to the comments to express their sadness and show their support.
One comment reads: "Such a shame. This was genuinely the best Malay food I had outside of Malaysia. Will be missed greatly", whilst another thanks the cafe for "all the delicious food over the years".
If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur Cafe one last time, then you have until this Saturday to do so. Go and wish them a proper farewell.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Georgina Pellant -
30th May 2021 
