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.
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.
Clementine Hall -
30th December 2025 
