Kino has only been open for a few short months, but the former cinema space has done nothing but fuse casual and fine dining in one a stunning setting.
The Grade II listed building has been home to charcuterie boards and pre-show cocktails for those catching a show at neighbouring Opera North, or acted as a laid back afternoon watering hole for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city centre life in an intimate venue.
Now, local independent kitchen MorMor will be taking over as part of a foodie takeover for the remainder of the year- and you can catch a glimpse of their locally renowned Levantine cuisine from tonight.
The carefully-curated menu is made up of a range of delicious small plates inspired by spices from the crossroads of western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and North-East Africa, each of which tells a story through flavour.
Chargrilled Onion, Orange and Fennel with Thyme. / Image: Chapter 81
We're talking sophisticated blends of roast aubergine with a date and almond crumb, dressed in a herb oil and honey tahini yoghurt, or the likes of butterfly cut king prawns barbecued over coals inside their shells and smothered in a warm harissa butter with chillies, Aleppo pepper and herbs.
The idea is that diners will be able to choose roughly two plates each, with options ranging from soft shell crab and sauteed green beans to tabbouleh, and can share the sensory experience with their diners.
MorMor has built a reputation across the North for its stunning Levantine dishes. / Image: MorMor, Instagram
There's also a large plate option, ideal for two people wanting to share, whilst includes inventive combinations like French cut lamb racks served pink with a za'atar crumb, spiced chermoula yoghurt, roast butternut squash purée and homemade flatbread.
Taking on a Palestinian staple, MorMor is also offering Guineafowl Musakhan, a Guineafowl roasted in sumac and pomegrate with toasted pine nuts and caramelised onions.
And if that's not enough, there's plenty of nibbly bits on the Mezze menu for starters of a light bite. Think Kurdish naan, hummus, roasted feta and cucumber, as well as patron peppers and mixed bread portions with za'atar and garlic oil.
MorMor launches at Kino from Wednesday 14 September 2022. / Image: Chapter 81
The new menu from MorMor, and the entire Kino dining space, is designed for bringing people together to anticipate, and embrace that joyous occasion of trying new flavours with like-minded company- and you're not going to be disappointed here.
To taste test the MorMor kitchen takeover at Kino Leeds and find out why this menu is anticipated to be a Leeds' favourite, visit Kino Wednesday - Saturday until the end of the year.
Feature Image- MorMor
Eats
Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds
Leeds’ matcha scene is about to get a serious upgrade, because MADE, the viral Sheffield favourite, is officially ready to open its second site right in the heart of the city.
Taking over a spot on Lower Briggate, the new café lands on Thursday 30 April, and if its Sheffield success is anything to go by, it'll be pretty popular from day one.
Since launching less than a year ago, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space brings something genuinely fresh to the table in Leeds.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s already gained a cult following over in Sheffield.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
Acai bowls at MADE in LeedsInside the new MADE in LeedsMatcha at MADE Leeds
MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), and other grab-and-go bites.
Taking over the former Nice Things unit, the arrival of MADE brings a new energy to Lower Briggate just in time for summer.
And judging by the queues they regularly draw in Sheffield, it’s safe to say Leeds locals are about to become very familiar with that signature green hue.
The North Leeds Food Festival returns for 2026 and special anniversary edition
Danny Jones
The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.
We're getting hungry just thinking about it.
Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.
We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.
Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.
Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.
Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.
Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "We’ve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."
Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...
The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.
It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s
Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".
There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.
Scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 10am and wrapping up on the following (10 May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.
Sophie Smith -
14th September 2022 
