Cinnamon Kitchen, the renowned modern Indian restaurant led by Executive Chef Vivek Singh, is set to open its first northern site in Leeds.
The restaurant and bar is launching in partnership with The Queens Hotel and will bring traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques to Yorkshire.
Vivek Singh has built up a reputation in the hospitality industry through his five restaurants and regularly appears on popular television programmes such as Saturday Kitchen and Masterchef.
Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds will take its inspiration from historic Indian railway first class waiting rooms, reflecting the site's connection and proximity to Leeds train station.
Images: Supplied
The beautiful space will feature high ceilings, Art Deco elements, and a striking mural that captures the essence of India’s diverse landscapes.
The menu will take inspiration from the 2,355-mile journey of the Himsagar Express, a train route that spans 12 Indian states.
Cinnamon Kitchen's signature dishes will include Masala Grilled Salmon, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie.
Image: Supplied
Vivek Singh commented, “We’re excited to be opening at The Queens Hotel, where the heritage of this iconic railway hotel perfectly complements our vision. The interiors are inspired by some of India’s most beautiful first-class waiting rooms, and our menu takes diners on a journey through 12 diverse states.
"With Bradford celebrating its year as UK City of Culture 2025, it’s the perfect time to bring Cinnamon Kitchen to Leeds.”
Alistair Campbell, General Manager at The Queens Hotel, added, “Cinnamon Kitchen is a fantastic addition to The Queens and to Leeds as a whole. The combination of Vivek Singh’s expertise and the unique concept behind this restaurant will bring something truly special to the city’s culinary landscape.”
The restaurant is currently recruiting for numerous roles including general manager and head chef.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
20th February 2025 
