The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
It's officially festival season, and boy have we got a good one for you.
Is there anything better than enjoying a few drinks whilst bopping your head to live music? No, we think not.
Now add a waterside view at one of Leeds' best pubs to the equation, and you're on to an absolute winner.
And it's all kicking off this weekend at Brewery Wharf Tavern, where on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July the space will transformed into a vibrant summer destination, with visitors invited to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The best part? It's completely free.
Images: Supplied
Hosted by Brewery Wharf Tavern, 212, Latitude Wine, Yorkshire Wine School and Cafe Yum Yum this year's Waterfront Festival brings together some of Leeds' favourite independent businesses and partners, celebrating the city's thriving waterfront community.
Guests can expect outdoor bars serving crisp pints, cocktails, refreshing spritzes and for food there'll of course be a BBQ serving summer specials.
Live bands The Beth Honey Collective & Honey Trap will be providing the tunes as well as DJs throughout the weekend.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment as well as live street art, and a late night after party just next door at 212.
Latitude Wine will also be hosting workshops and masterclasses if you're looking to brush up on your wine knowledge.
The Waterfront Festival has become one of the area's most anticipated summer events, so make sure to get yourself down to Brewery Wharf Tavern.
The festival is free to attend, with no tickets required. You can find out more here.
10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in and around Leeds city centre
Featured image - Supplied
Leeds
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
1st July 2026 
