Hospitality heavy hitters behind Santiago and Mojo have opened a new, movie-themed bar in Upper Briggate.
Called Grindhouse Bar, inside table lamps light up original film cells, film soundtracks play on a loop, and there is - of course - a big screen showing house favorites on repeat.
Initially due to open in May 2020, it's been a long time coming - but now we're finally able to sit inside and enjoy a drink and some locally sourced grub in silver screen style.
The brainchild of Dave Holmes (founder of Santiago) and Paul Handley (previously Santiago and Mojo), the pair came up with the idea for a movie-inspired venue after a few beers.
Sitting between Wax Bar and North Bar in the Northern Quarter, close to Leeds Grand Theatre, the pair have some good relationships with local suppliers.
Glazed and Confused Donuts at Grindhouse, Leeds
They will be sourcing locally as possible, working with contacts at Leeds Markets, North Star Coffee, Northern Monk, and Leeds-based Glazed and Confused Donuts.
Dave said: "We didn’t settle on the film idea to be the first of its kind, it was just something we both wanted to do. We both love film – Paul’s a John Carpenter fan and I love the Zombie genre - it just made sense for us to do it!”
“We shortlisted a few film-themed names, but Grindhouse was an instant favourite; the history of Grindhouse films and theatres, and the general coffee connection – it feels right.”
The food offering at Grindhouse caters to all diets and is available to enjoy from 9am to 5pm daily, starting with breakfast burritos.
After 5, the only food available will be Frito Pie - a delicacy from Austin, Texas that impressed Paul on a visit there a few years back.
“It’s just a packet of crisps (‘Fritos’ in Texas), sliced open, add a big dollop of homemade chilli, chopped onions, cheese, and jalapeños – mix it all up and you’re good to go.”
Go on, then.
Grindhouse will be open Mon to Thurs (9am to midnight),Friday and Saturday (9am to 1am) and Sunday (11am to midnight). Dogs are welcome.
Eats
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Georgina Pellant -
19th May 2021 
