SALT is back with a second Leeds venue, and this time it's all about craft beer and falafels.
Picture the scene, it's been a long, hard week at work. You're in Leeds city centre and want a post-work drink and nibbles in a relaxing space that will allow you forget about the day-gone-by.
SALT Craft + Falafel is going to be one of those places that allows just that. Grab a cold craft beer, grab a seat by the waterside, taste some of Leeds' most-famous falafels and Middle-Eastern cuisine. It really is going to be impossible to bring your worries with you as you enter here.
Image: PGHL
Opening next week, SALT is launching its sixth branded tap with a craft + falafel concept in central Leeds next week, on Friday 18 February.
Where Craft Asylum once stood, the newly-refurbished site will be pairing award-winning craft beer with delicious middle-eastern street food from Falafel Guys to offer a unique twist on their love for discovery and food- SALT Craft + Falafel really does promise a taste sensation for all the senses.
Having proved the success of pairing street food with craft beer through their two Craft + Pizza places in London and a Craft + Bao concept in Sheffield, this latest SALT Tap explores the tastes of the middle east by partnering with the culinary wizards ‘Falafel Guys’.
Image: PGHL
Famed for their delicious Middle-Eastern Street food originating from their bright red food van on Briggate, ‘Falafel Guys’ have become a staple of Leeds’s Street food culture. Whether it be fresh falafel cooked in front of your eyes, chunky grilled Halloumi or slow oven-cooked chicken – we're told that when paired with craft beer they are a match made in heaven.
Co-Founder of Falafel Guys, Ahmed Ramzy has said ahead of the launch, “SALT and the area is very lively and we've been doing our research into locations where there is a gap in the market for tasty fresh falafels. Middle Eastern food is extremely popular and what differs us from other places is that we use top quality freshest ingredients and everything on the menu is halal. We can't wait to meet and welcome our new and regular customers.”
If the promise of delicious falafel and SALT's award-winning brews isn’t tempting enough already, the addition of seven different cocktails ‘on tap’ will also bring the fastest cocktail serves to Granary Wharf. Think 2 for £12 all day, every day on all your favourite concoctions, as well as quality craft beers on offer and a super speedy service.
Image: PGHL
Situated in the modern development of Granary Wharf, the area features a vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, a contemporary hotel, residential buildings and open spaces with scenic views. Just a stone’s throw from the rapidly growing reborn district of ‘Temple’, SALT Craft + Falafel offers something new for residents, workers and visitors alike- and we can't wait to check it out.
Founder, Jamie Lawson states, “We wanted to extend our presence in Leeds whilst still offering something different. We were blown away by the reception to SALT Leeds Craft + Cocktails and we wanted to offer a little bit of diversity in a fast-growing area of the city centre.
"SALT Craft + Falafel is inspired by our love for food and venues that offer something for everyone. Craft beer and street food is such a natural pairing and adds to our pursuit of ‘beer perfection”.
You can grab a pint and a falafel from Friday 18 February at SALT Craft + Falafel at the former Craft Asylum venue at Granary Wharf.
Feature Image- PGHL
News
Five of the best new openings to come out of Leeds so far this year
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Clementine Hall
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
Sophie Smith -
8th February 2022 
