The sky is quite literally the limit for Leeds' acclaimed restaurant Tharavadu, which has just announced a brand new venture.
The award-winning South Indian restaurant is set to launch a new rooftop restaurant and bar, taking over the old Issoh site at Victoria Gate.
The huge new space, UYARE, will be serving up the rich flavours and spirits of Kerala, in an impressive environment spanning 7,000 sq ft.
UYARE's rooftop restaurant will also be home to a new bar, Agni, with a curated selection of fine wines, champagnes, crafted cocktails and local craft beers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Tharavadu team will split the space into district areas, from the Bhoomi 'Earth' restaurant with small plates style of dining to the 'Fire' bar which has plans to host exclusive themed nights.
There'll be space inside for up to 300 guests, plus an impressive 15-person private dining room.
On the menu you'll find all the time-honoured techniques that have earned Tharavadu so much critical acclaim over the last decade, with an array of traditional Keralan dishes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Siby Jose, founder of Tharavadu, shared: "As Leeds is our hometown, we are deeply committed to staying local, and it’s a privilege to be part of this vibrant community.
"Opening our second venue, UYARE, in Leeds city centre is a significant milestone for us—a chance to celebrate our roots and offer something unique for the people of Leeds.
"This prime location in the city allows us to meet growing demand from our loyal customers, expand our offerings, and remain true to what we do best, delivering an authentic, flavourful, and memorable South Indian dining experience."
With UYARE, Tharavadu strengthens its commitment to Leeds, showcasing the diversity of South Indian cuisine in a space designed to provide both familiar comforts and new experiences.Â
You can follow UYARE on Instagram HERE for the latest updates.
A list of the UK's best independent coffee shops for 2026 has been released, and one in Leeds has come up trumps.
The coffee shop in question may come as no surprise to some of you, as some would say that after 15 years in the city it's become somewhat of an institution.
Of course it's none other than Laynes.
Founded in 2011 by Dave Olejnik, Laynes began life on New Station Street and quickly became one of the first venues in Leeds to focus on carefully sourced and roasted coffee beans, helping lead the way for the city's now-thriving independent coffee scene.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's a proper Leeds staple at this point, sat proudly with its glowing yellow exterior and queues out the door full of punters looking for their morning caffeine fix.
But it's not just us who think it's flipping fantastic, as a new study has revealed the top 10 most popular independent coffee shops in the country and Laynes comes in at a very respectable number 8.
The list, made by Capital on Tap, analysed coffee across the UK looking at Google reviews, monthly searches and social media success.
Laynes was in some pretty good company including Idle Hands in Manchester and Kaf Coffee in Glasgow. But most importantly, none of the top 10 were in London - make of that what you will.
The top 10 most popular independent coffee shops for 2026:
A bakery serving giant NYC-style cookies and fluffy cinnamon buns has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
If you've got a seriously sweet tooth, then you're going to love this new opening.
It seems like there's been a flurry of new bakeries popping up in and around Leeds recently, and we're certainly not complaining.
Introducing Crumbb, a beautiful new bakery that has just opened its doors on Hyde Park Road just moments outside of the city centre.
Owner Naila started the businesses as a wholesaler six years ago, stocking up local businesses from far and wide with sweet treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Since then, Crumbbs opened its first location in Bradford just a few months ago that has been nothing short of a resounding success. So much so, that Crumbbs 2.0 was born right here in Leeds a few days ago.
Right, let's talk you through what's on offer.
For the sweet toothed out there, there's a whole myriad of treats for you to enjoy. We're talking giant NYC-style cookies, fluffy cinnamon buns topped with gooey icing, brownies slices, cookie muffins, rocky road, flapjack, the list is truly endless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can even get warm cookie trays and hot brownies to enjoy in house that can be topped with ice cream or thick custard.
And it doesn't stop there, Crumbbs also whip up freshly baked savoury focaccia slices as well as cheese twists, pizza slices and savoury rolls filled with creamy mozzarella and herbs.
They've also got a fabulous drink selection on offer including matcha, coffee and hot chocolates.
Located in Headingley, we've got a feeling this spot is going to be a huge hit with students and locals alike looking to get their sweet treat fix. But they'll have to beat us to it first.
Daisy Jackson -
29th November 2024 
