Having outgrown the arches, Latitude is moving to a larger space on The Calls with the exciting addition of a seating area.
Latitude has become a real go-to for all things boozy over the past 15 years. First opening under the arches back in 2008, the store has grown from showcasing around 440 products to a whopping 1900+.
Now with five times its original stock, and over 9000 loyal customers, the 660 sq ft flagship store has become rather cramped, and now owner Chris Hill is taking the leap to open a brand new space that will allow him to not only stock even more of the wines and spirits that we know and love Latitude for, but also incorporate its very own wine bar.
Based just 200 metres from where it all began, Latitude will be moving into 46 The Calls, becoming neighbours with KAPOW! Coffee, Screen Yorkshire, and Yorkshire Design Group the new Latitude Tasting Room and shop will allow locals from near and far to pop in for a tipple of their choice, seven days a week.
The idea is that the space will be designed and purpose built by and for wine and spirit lovers and it is hoped that Latitude can add something different to the Leeds nightlife scene.
Expect wine by the glass, and ever-evolving specials served as the sun goes down, with a choice of 900 different bottles for a small corkage fee. Meanwhile, the spirits list aims to give customers a change to try flavours and brands that they wouldn't usually be able to - and of course there will by plenty of opportunities to buy the bottles you taste test too.
Pairing perfectly with the wine list, cheese and charcuterie boards will be available throughout the evening, and you'll find a carefully curated list of events for foodies and wannabe sommeliers alike.
Owner Max Whisker said: " After over 25 years working in (and with) some of Leeds finest bars and restaurants I cannot wait to have an actual proper bar to serve behind. Expect the finest cheese and charcuterie, a small but focused cocktail menu made with only the finest ingredients, and an opportunity to try any one of thousands of products on our (brand new) shelves".
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Sophie Smith -
20th December 2023 
