Eats

Japanese restaurant Fuji Hiro to reopen in Leeds just months after shock closure

A decades-long favourite returns.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 30th May 2025

Fuji Hiro has announced it's set to reopen in Leeds city centre, just months after announcing its closure.

The Japanese restaurant at the Merrion Centre shut down at the start of 2025, after almost three decades in town.

But now it's set to reopen under new management and with a fresh new look, focusing back on the offering that made it such a cult favourite in Leeds.

Fuji Hiro has received new investment from Leeds-born entrepreneur James Douglas, a co-founder of Red's True Barbecue.

He'll be working closely with the original kitchen team to revive the flavours and heritage that Fuji Hiro was so famed for.

Speaking about the plans, James Douglas said: "Fuji Hiro has held a special place in the hearts of Leeds locals for decades. I’ve been a fan since it first opened its doors in 1997, so to now take the reins and help write its next chapter is a real honour.

"We didn’t want to lose what made Fuji Hiro special, so we’ve kept as much of the original feel as possible. We’ve taken things right back to where it all started with a stripped-back menu of the core dishes it is famous for, such as ramen, noodles, gyoza and katsu.

"We are also really pleased to be able to bring back some of the former kitchen team who will be creating the original recipes, sauces, stocks and curry blends that make Fuji Hiro so special."

James Douglas is reopening Fuji Hiro. Credit: Supplied
James Douglas is reopening Fuji Hiro. Credit: Supplied
Fuji Hiro will reopen in Leeds this year. Credit: Supplied
Fuji Hiro will reopen in Leeds this year. Credit: Supplied

As for the space itself at the Merrion Centre, it'll be given an interiors overhaul, with a new design and an improved layout with more seating capacity.

James added: "Fuji Hiro was always lauded for being a hidden gem, but restaurants don't survive without regulars. I am bringing Fuji Hiro back because I loved it enough to want to help give it one more shot.

"But the truth is, most independents don’t get that second chance. If you want your favourite spots to stick around, don’t just talk about them, go and eat there."

Charles Newman, Associate Director at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “Fuji Hiro has long been one of Leeds’ most iconic restaurants, and we’re delighted to welcome it back to the Merrion Centre to continue its story. Its return is testament to the loyalty of its customers and the strength of our food scene. We look forward to seeing it flourish once again.”

Fuji Hiro is set to open its doors on Thursday 12 June.

Read more: Leeds shawarma bar wins Best Kebab in the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2025

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

    Eats

    Everything you need to know about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2026

    Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

    Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just a weeks time, and we've got everything you need to know.

    This year, the markets are looking a little bit different than before as outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi have stepped up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular.

    They're organising a market where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.

    Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.

    So, let's get into it...

    Opening dates and timings

    The Leeds Christmas Markets will kick off from Thursday 19 November and run until Wednesday 23 December. So that's almost five weeks of festivities flooding the city, and plenty of time for you to make the most of it.

    The markets will be open 7 days a week, the exact timings are:

    Trader Village & Leeds Street Food

    Sunday-Wednesday: 10:30am-7pm

    Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am-8pm

    THOR’S Highland Lodge & Folié Ski Bar

    Sunday-Tuesday: 11am-9pm

    Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-11pm

    Images: The Hoot Leeds

    Locations

    The main stalls and street food will be located at City Square, here you will also find the main Christmas tree and two THOR's bars.

    Ice Cube at Millennium Square will also be making a return, here you'll find rides, an ice rink and more food and drink. This is separate to what is being run by THOR's this year, though.

    There will be plenty of other festive activities taking place throughout the city throughout November and December, you can find out more and view the Leeds Christmas map here.

    Food

    Okay, now we can get onto the good stuff.

    We all know that the highlight of the markets is the food, and this year there's going to be more independent and local trader than ever before.

    Images: The Hoot Leeds

    From Leeds' very own Italian street food restaurant Stuzzi to homemade mini tiramisu drawers, you're going to want to arrive feeling very peckish at these markets that's for sure.

    The current full list of street food vendors at City Square is as follows:

    • Cut & Craft (steak and chips)
    • Beth Bakes Cakes (hot chocolate fudge cake)
    • Misu Tiramisu (mini tiramisu drawers)
    • Crumble pots (crumble)
    • La Grassa (Italian-American sandwiches)
    • Chocolate Circus (stacked hot chocolates)
    • Stuzzi (Italian street food)
    • Street Kings Bratwurst (traditional bratwurst)
    • Johnsons' Toffee (homemade toffee and fudge)
    • The Savvy Baker (sweet treats and hot cookie dough)
    • Irish spice bags
    • Churros

    Drink

    Closely following behind food, a good old tipple is what many of us venture to the markets for.

    This year, alongside a few mulled wine stalls in city square, THOR's will be doing what they do best and opening two brand-new outdoor bars to really get you in the spirit.

    Image: The Hoot Leeds

    You can pick from a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar, both designed to welcome large groups with their own themed drinks and cosy interiors. You can read more about these bars here.

    Not only that, but they'll be a specialist coffee trader as well as a matcha trader if you don't fancy anything alcoholic.

    Shopping

    The Leeds Christmas Markets isn't just about eating and drinking, it's also about browsing and shopping for those last minute Christmas gifts or gorgeous knick-knacks to decorate your home with over the festive season.

    Here's your list of traders to buy gifts from at City Square:

    • Stump Cross (natural crystal jewellery, fossils and more)
    • House of the Trembling Madness (festive craft beer cans)
    • Real Markets Yorkshire (lots of goodies made in Yorkshire)
    • Yorkshire Print Company (Yorkshire-inspired artwork)
    • Paper Starlights (handmade paper lanterns)
    • Scents of Christmas (handcrafted decorations)
    • Kakuwi (homemade crafts sourced across India and Nepal)
    • Beauty Scents (handmade candles and wax melts)
    • Mervyn Tay Art (hand-painted sheep art)
    • Pop-up Print Co (personalised Christmas clothing)
    • O'Donnell Moonshine (homemade liqeurs)
    • Magees Bespoke Woodwork (handcrafted wooden homeware)
    • Storymaker Mead (homemade mead)
    • Fun Hats (winter accessories)
    • Artisanal Cheeses
    • Pure Pet Food
    • Mukta Ornaments (handcrafted silver ornaments)
    • Duckdown Gifts (handcrafted wooden gifts)
    • Solid Cologne
    • Tatova Hata (souvenirs made by Ukrainian artists)
    • Gab's Wonderland (independent jewellery)
    • The Yorkshire Candle Company
    • Forged Spirits (Yorkshire-brewed spirits)
    • Nordvek (sheepskin and leather goods)
    • Socktopus (socks)
    • Shea Alchemy (skincare)

    Weekly Events

    If you're after a bit of live entertainment, then you've got it at this year's markets in abundance.

    Bibi's Takeover

    Every Thursday from 5-7pm, Bibi's will be bringing live music to the lodge.

    Green Room Takeover

    On Fridays and Saturdays, from 7-9pm, Green Room will be heading to the Highland Lodge for live music.

    Market-wide Live Performance

    Every Sunday between 1-5pm, live music will be the soundtrack to your shopping, feasting and festivities.

    You can find out even more information about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 here via their website.

    Read more: Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay

    Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

    Eats

    The charming French bistro that’s been a Leeds favourite for over 30 years

    Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

    Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991. 

    You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.

    But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.

    Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.

    Images: The Hoot Leeds

    Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.

    We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.

    And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.

    Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.

    As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.

    Images: The Hoot Leeds

    It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?

    More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.

    This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years. 

    You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.

    Read more: Leeds bistro earns praise from renowned food critic Jay Rayner

    Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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