Newly-opened micropub Against the Grain is the latest community-spirited pub to open in Leeds- and it's championing all things local.
Grey tiled walls with intimate lighting and fresh wooden tabletops and stools: Against the Grain may have only been open for two short weeks, but their home-away-from-home atmosphere is going to provide a regular watering hole to Leeds locals for quite some time.
With a name inspired by the former buildings life as a bakery and the main ingredient in their boozy options, Against the Grain appears to be all about providing the community with quality produce.
Naturally, micropubs are all about quality over quantity and this new opening is a prime example of this. Serving up pork pies, charcuterie and other staple British small dishes, customers can pair their delectable bar snacks with a range of lagers, ales and sprits.
Of course, there's local breweries like Northern Monk and Piglove Brewing Co. championed with a selection of their craft beers served, but the owners here have ensured that their micropub has a considered selection of all things alcoholic.
Wine has been selected by Latitude Wines, the cocktail menu from Farrand's and Against the Grain is even rumoured to create its own gin in a collaborative project with Liquor Studio in Leeds city centre.
Sharing a love of unique flavours, experimental beer drinkers will be delighted to see the likes of Play Brew Co's Rhubard & Custard Milkshake Pale coming in with reviews like "Based on old skool boiled sweets, treat us like a lil' tuck shop. Nom" and available by the can inside the Bramley bar.
Open Thursday - Sunday, Against the Grain is the latest micropub to pop up in our city, and given its only a short bus journey away from the city centre on Stanningley Road, it's going to be a popular option for all Loiners that love to test out the latest drinking hotspots.
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.
Sophie Smith -
18th April 2022 
