The wonderful owners of Fern Modern Sushi are gearing up to open a modern Japanese grill in Leeds City Centre.
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you're going to want to keep reading this one.
Nestled in the Central Arcade you may have come across Fern Modern Sushi, a hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant that has captured the hearts of many foodies since opening last year.
Run with Chef Fern at the helm, you're made to feel a part of the family as soon as you walk through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The food is affordable, unbelievably delicious and the freshest it can be.
Fern will take you on a culinary journey guiding you through the fish she's received that week, but whatever it is you can rest assured it's nothing short of delightful.
So, when we received the news that lovely Fern is setting her sights on another restaurant in Leeds we got very, very excited indeed.
Introducing Tori Nori Japanese Grill, a modern restaurant that will transport you to the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect robata-style dining with a selection flame grilled skewers, from beef and chicken to cod and so much more.
There isn't an official opening date, or an exact location for that matter, but Tori Nori is expected to open in November in Leeds City Centre.
But one thing's for sure, if Chef Fern has anything to do with it - it's going to be absolutely class.
We'll keep you updated with any further info as and when we get it. But in the meantime, pop by Fern Modern Sushi and see what all the fuss is about.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
23rd September 2025 
