The ongoing construction work on Central Road may have claimed another Leeds independent, as Brownhill & Co announces its 'likely' closure.
The news comes just weeks after the beloved Mrs Atha's shut for good, citing the 'two year desecration' of Central Road while Store House opposite (formerly House of Fraser) is redeveloped into a brand new student accommodation.
Family-run bar Brownhill & Co has now said it's faced 'complete radio silence' from its landlords, plus 'thoughtless upheaval' in Leeds city centre, and will 'very likely close' on Monday 6 May.
They said: "We are deeply saddened that our little family business will cease to exist after 10 years of very hard work."
Brownhill & Co added: "It’s been a big ten years & we’ve achieved a hell of a lot, we’re eternally thankful for the support of our incredible customers - many of whom have become great friends.
"We’d also like to convey deep regret to any businesses left out of pocket as a result of our closure, this is something we’ve worked desperately hard on to try and avoid over the last 9-12 months while faced with frankly impossible hurdles. We will continue to strive to find solutions where we can."
In response to Brownhill & Co's lengthy statement - which you can read in full HERE - a Leeds City Council spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear of Brownhill & Co’s decision to close.
Leeds bar Brownhill & Co says it will close due to 'upheaval' construction work on Central Road. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
"The demolition and rebuild of the former House of Fraser building is not a council project and we understand that it is nearing completion, with the student residential element ready for September 2025. However we always endeavour to work with any businesses affected by construction work and offer whatever support we can.
"In this case, since this construction project began, we have been in constant dialogue with businesses on Central Road and the developers, setting up and attending stakeholder meetings to discuss how we could help over the life of the project.
"We do recognise the impact of construction work on local businesses, and we are committed to helping mitigate this wherever and however we can. Business Rates discounts for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure businesses are set nationally by Government."
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 -
7th May 2025 
