Eats

10 of the best new openings we’ve welcomed to Leeds during 2025

What a year it's been.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 17th December 2025

It's been an incredible year for new openings in and around Leeds, with plenty of independent restaurants, pubs and bars springing up all over the place.

As we come to the end of the year, it's always nice to reflect on the fabulous places that have opened in our city.

What's set this year apart is the sheer amount of independent businesses that have opened their doors to a resoundingly positive reception of punters looking to show their support.

From bakeries and pubs to rooftop bars and shops, we've been ever so lucky to welcome so many great businesses to Leeds.

We've highlighted 10 spots that have made the most impact on our community and got the city talking.

So, without further ado...

BAKE

Mustard Wharf, Lockside, Holbeck, LS1 4EY

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Completing the all-things-dough trilogy alongside Things In Bread and Doh'hut was BAKE - a nostalgic British bakery that captured the hearts of pastry lovers across the city when it opened back in January.

From outrageously cheesy cheese twists to sticky, cinnamon bun focaccia slices - everything here is so good that it sells out before finish.

Federal

34 Boar Lane, LS1 5DA

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Famed over in Manchester, Federal is an Aussie-inspired cafe bringing a slice of sunshine to Boar Lane.

French toast, steak and eggs, matcha in a can, fabulously friendly service, the list as to why we love this place could truly go on and on.

Read more: An Aussie-inspired brunch spot made famous in Manchester has just opened in Leeds

Rinse

9 Call Ln, LS1 7DH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We already love Bottle Chop over in Headingley, and this year it gained a city centre sibling called Rinse.

Here you'll find enough natural wine to sink a ship alongside charcuterie and sandwiches to go with it. Just perfect.

The Victoria & Commercial

28 Great George St, LS1 3DL

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Technically this isn't a brand-new opening as The Victoria first opened in 1865, but it's a re-opening. And a very good one at that.

Leeds beer powerhouses Whitelock's and Kirkstall Brewery joined forces to bring The Victoria back to life and we're so glad they did, it's a pub that oozes charm with maybe the cosiest interior we've ever seen.

Read more: Inside The Victoria – the legendary Leeds pub that has been reborn just in time for Christmas

Brewery Wharf Tavern

3 Brewery Place, LS10 1NE

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Another newbie from Whitelock's is the Brewery Wharf Tavern, the new dockside pub with killer views of the canal. Think trendy 70s inspired interiors, a huge beer garden and a brilliant drinks list to make your way through.

Azotea

2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're looking to feel like you're on Love Island in Leeds, then get yourself to Azotea. This new rooftop bar is probably the biggest and most boujie in the city, and they're serving up Mexican-inspired food and drink as well to really make you feel like you're on holiday.

Mondego

The Tank Room, Roundhouse Business Park, LS12 1AH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Homeware lovers nearly lost their marbles when this Portuguese ceramics shop opened up just outside of the city centre. Here you pay by the weight of your items, and you can grab some absolute bargains from ramen bowls for a couple of quid to jugs for under a fiver,

Crowded House

70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Taking over the top spot that Angelica used to have above Trinity was Crowded House, an all-day dining and drinking destination from the team behind Three's A Crowd.

Here you'll find stellar views of the city alongside a menu full of elevated classics.

Vinyl Grounds

30 Central Road, LS1 6DE

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now we think this one is a little bit special. Vinyl Grounds is a coffee, wine and vinyl bar that's opened on Central Road and to be honest we could spend all day in here.

It's got a really chilled atmosphere where you can transition seamlessly from day to night, we'll leave it up to you on when to swap the coffee for a glass of vino.

The Savvy Baker

27 Albion St, LS1 5AT

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We all know and love The Savvy Baker, but this year Sav and the team opened up their very first city centre cafe and we couldn't be happier for them. This one not only has all her signature bakes on sale, but there's also a dedicated matcha bar and an onsite bakery where you can watch all the magic happening.

Read more: Inside the new Savvy Baker cafe complete with an on-site bakery and dedicated matcha bar

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Historic family-run Leeds restaurant that’s been open for half a century is forced to close

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.

Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.

Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.

The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.

The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.

"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.

"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.

"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."

The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.

"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."

Read more: Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb

Featured image - Salvo's

Eats

Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

An award-winning burger chain can now open a new branch in a Leeds suburb after plans have been agreed.

If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.

The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.

Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order.

The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.

Images: The Manc Group

Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meandwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.

Burgerism's new takeaway will be near the famed Zucco restaurant and The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.

The planning officer's report stated that the applicant must give sufficient details of extraction equipment to prevent the odour for people living above.

It read: “The application site relates to a vacant ground floor premises within a parade of three commercial units in a local town centre. Above the premises are three floors of purpose-built self-contained flats.”

A design report by Burgerism read: “The proposal will ensure the continued use of a vacant hot food takeaway and will support the continued viability of the town centre of Meanwood, with an exciting new operator in the market.”

The brand-new Burgerism would employ 15 people from the local area and would serve food between 11am and 11pm.

We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, so you can get your Burgerism fix.

Read more: A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre

Featured image - The Manc Group

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