A new cake shop opened inside an industrial mill unit in Stanningley, Leeds on Sunday, 23rd May.
Called Soph's Cakes Leeds, it's the brainchild of ex-professional dancer Sophie O'Connell - who's had the unit for over a year but has only just been able to open now.
First beginning life in her family's tiny kitchen in Pudsey, she started baking cakes around nine years ago as a way to relax, and soon started getting requests from friends and family.
A hobby since her teens, it wasn't until she broke her foot dancing that she started to think about it as a serious career.
Today, Soph’s Cakes Leeds is a full-time operation and its founder is in high demand.
In the past year alone, she's single-handedly baked around 1,300 bespoke cakes for her customers: that's an average of 3.5 cakes every day.
Due to skyrocketing demand for her creations, the young ballerina first acquired her unit at Swinnow Grange Mills, Stanningley in early March last year - but her initial opening plans were put on hold when the pandemic hit.
Having already moved in, she started making bread and other essential bits on top of her usual cakes in order to provide essentials for those shielding or isolating.
These were then delivered out to those in need to replace items that weren't available in the shops, earning Sophie some extra brownie points with the local Pudsey community.
Now, with the return of indoor hospitality, she's finally been able to open her doors to the public.
Customers can enjoy a good range of sweet treats like cupcakes and full-size creations, alongside coffees and savoury pastries from 2-6pm Monday to Wednesday, and 9.30am-2pm on Saturdays.
Speaking to the YEP, Sophie said: "I can't wait to open to the public. I love chatting to people and getting to know my local community through the means of cake!"
Find out more about Soph's Cakes Leeds on her website.
Eats
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Georgina Pellant -
26th May 2021 
