Leeds favourite, Blackhouse, has announced it is set to unveil an evolution of its popular city centre restaurant in 2026.
If you're a Leeds foodie, then there's no doubt that you'll have visited Blackhouse.
The iconic steakhouse on East Parade is known for it striking interiors, fabulous food and sexy atmosphere.
It's been serving the people of Leeds for a whopping 18 years, and to celebrate the achievement they're having a refresh.
The new direction will introduce a refreshed food, drink and social offering that stays true to the qualities that have made it one of Leeds’ most enduring dining destinations.
Blackhouse will continue to serve exceptional steaks, while expanding its culinary offer with a vibrant new menu shaped around local produce and seasonality.
Guests can expect a renewed focus on seasonal dishes, with a menu that evolves every six-eight weeks with elevated sharing dishes that encourage a more social dining style.
Image: Supplied
The Blackhouse bar will offer a broader choice wines by the glass utilising Coravin technology, an expanded range of draught beers and a new curated list of affordable cocktails making it a new night out destination.
There will also be a new all day bar food menu served from 12 ‘til close which includes a new signature “branded” burger.
Blackhouse GASTROBAR General Manager Matt McGuinness said: “What we’re unveiling in January is very much an evolution, not a revolution. Everything our guests love about Blackhouse will remain at the heart of what we do with a relaxed offer that keeps the warm, unmistakable Blackhouse charm that people return for time and again.
“As we prepare to celebrate 18 incredible years in Leeds, this is the last chance to dine the classic Blackhouse menu before we begin a bold new chapter and we’re very excited to share the next version of Blackhouse with the city.”
The new concept will launch on Friday 9 January, and you can book your table here.
To celebrate the launch, they'll be offering 50% off dining throughout January.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
30th December 2025 
