Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we’re here to fill you in on our favourites.
So far 2025 has brought a whole lot of newness to the city, from a fabulous new pub to a gorgeous independent ice cream shop, it's safe to say it's giving us lots to brag about.
But if you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months (and to be honest we don’t blame you for doing so), then allow us to show off for a minute about five of our favourites.
So, without further ado…
Melting Point Ice Cream
Downstairs in the Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Melting Point Ice Cream is your newest independent ice cream spot and its putting Ben and Jerry's to shame.
Leeds’ own Willy Wonka, Johno is serving up next-level flavours, from indulgent Peanut Butter & Coconut to the daring Goat’s Cheese & Stem Ginger, yes Goat’s Cheese Ice Cream
And if you’re craving something a little more refreshing, then the Mango Sorbet is calling your name. Ranging from £3.50 to £7, depending on the amount of scoops, this spot has got you covered.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Pudsey, 8 Church Lane, LS28 7BD
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everyone's favourite deli and eatery, The Cheesy Living Co., opened in Pudsey last month and it's unsurprisingly absolutely brilliant.
This beautiful sun-drenched spot is kitted out in Cheesy’s signature style, with shelves adorned with local goodies and neon signs jazzing up the walls.
Here you'll find everything from fluffy focaccia sarnies to customisable charcuterie boards and their signature fondue.
The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One of the most highly-anticipated openings of the year is ready and raring to welcome guests to their brand-new spot in Headingley… we’re of course talking about the wonderful Swine Bistro.
Jo and Stu are the definition of a dream team who have been refining their craft over the past twelve years, and their new restaurant is a testament to their talent.
It’s an absolutely wonderful spot which they’ve renovated all themselves, but although the space may be new they’re still cooking and serving the food they love and we assure you you’ll love it too.
The Highland Laddie
36 Cavendish Street, Leeds, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The impressive team behind The Empire Cafe have a brand new venture - The Highland Laddie is a new gastropub that’s taking over the old The Highland pub and bringing it back to its former glory (and then some).
Thought and care runs throughout this pub from the perfectly considered renovations to the elevated classics like the hefty sausage roll and flavoursome chicken drumsticks.
Alfonso's
4-5 Grand Arcade, LS1 6PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Exciting news folks, Alfonso's deli has finally touched down in Leeds.
From the team behind Thiccc Sauce, this spot is all about cold cuts, smoked meats and stacked New York-style sandwiches that’ll have you questioning if you’re still in the Grand Arcade or somewhere in Brooklyn.
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.
Clementine Hall -
28th April 2025 
