This is going to be the summer of openings in Leeds.
It’s no surprise that one year on from pandemic-related restrictions holding much of the hospitality and entrepreneurial industries hostage with uncertainty, Leeds is thriving with new and exciting talent.
Whether its national chains expanding over into our city or up-and-coming independents taking the plunge to make their lockdown success story a full-time career or moving from pop-ups to a permanent home: there’s a whole lot of new businesses in our city right now.
Here are the top picks of all the new openings in and around Leeds over the summer months with an additional selection of new openings within an hour or so of our city so that if you’re taking a day trip to York, Sheffield, Manchester or even Harome, you can check out the latest additions there too.
Just announced…
Dastaan Leeds
Adel | Opening Wednesday 27 July 2022
Dastaan has been offering something quite special down south since its beginnings in 2017, but now the award-winning Indian restaurant will be finding a second home right here in Leeds.
There will be ample opportunity for diners to experience a whole host of exotic flavours paired with regional specialities- each with a modern twist that is set to show Leeds exactly why the original Dastaan Epsom is worthy of its many accolades, including This comes in addition to recommendations from the likes of Hardens, AA Guide, the Good Food Guide; placing in The Times’ top thirty places to have a curry and landing a spot in Squaremeals’ top 100 restaurants for 2022 just a few months ago.
Cult Wing
Merrion Centre, Leeds City Centre | Opening date unknown
Guests will relish in the opportunity to have their wings personalised to their own desired spice level (from mild to extra hot) as well as testing out unique flavours like ‘Rock Chick Chipotle’, ‘BBQ Bones’ and ‘Skulldive Herb’- all of which give an idea of the cool rock and roll aesthetic expected from the new restaurant.
It’s not just chicken wings that’ll be on offer, though there will be plenty of those to choose from. The menu also encompasses an impressive variety of gourmet burgers, double-coated crunchy fries.
Döner Summer Tacos York
The fast food spot usually fills Leeds with its standout lunchtime deal of burger, chips and soda for under a tenner, but now the vegan venue is branching out into tacos as part of their new venture.
The vegan foodie spot also shared that there will be an opportunity to test out the new taco concept right here in Leeds “very soon” at a weekend pop-up event.
“If you’ve never heard of Birria Tacos, get searching and get excited! We’re taking plant based tacos to a whole new level.”
Opening this summer…
Rudy’s Chapel Allerton Opening
Stainbeck Road, Chapel Allerton | Opening in July (date unknown)
Taking over the former Casa Mia site at 10 – 12 Stainbeck Lane, this will be the second site for Rudy’s pizza here in Leeds. Having opened their debut Leeds restaurant on New Station Street restaurant in 2020, the Manchester-born joint has only grown in popularity over the pandemic and beyond.
On the mouth-watering menu, diners will look forward to Napoli pizzas like traditional marinara, margherita and calabrese, as well as a range of regularly changing specials, including the likes of White Pizza and vegan speciality dishes too. Whilst the exact date hasn’t been confirmed just yet, Rudy’s has issued a statement to tell customers to prepare for a July opening.
Rabbit Hole Coffee
Location unknown | Opening mid-July
Opening their very own cafe in mid-July, Rabbit Hole has been taking over the Leeds coffee spot for quite some time. The fine details are of the coffee shop are yet to be announced, with a simple Instagram post: “Keeping it nice and vague….For those asking about an opening date I think you vastly overestimate our organisational skills.” keeping us on our toes in anticipation.
Whilst the new cafe is under renovation you can get your iced coffee from either Chophaus in Roundhay or right in the city centre in the Victoria Quarter.
Honest Burgers
Cloth Hall Street, Leeds City Centre | Opening summer 2022
Joining the likes of Manchester and Liverpool, Leeds is the latest city to get the green light to open an Honest Burgers restaurant- but that doesn’t mean we need to wait until summer to get our Honest Burgers foodie fix.
Serving up a taste of what Leeds has to look forward to, Honest Burgers has taken over the kitchen at Northern Monk Refectory for the next eight weeks. Based in the old Flex Store in Holbeck, this exciting partnership will allow Loiners to try out the famous Honest Burgers combination of beef patties and brioche buns, as well as some drool-worthy specials that won’t be available in any other location.
The Leeds X Northern Monk burger will be a go-to options for anyone wanting to make the most of this residency. Expect Honest beef patties sandwiched between bacon, Heathen IPA beer cheese, curry sauce, shoestring fries, Faith pale ale pickled onions and rocket with homemade rosemary chips and washed down with a pint of original Northern Monk Brew Co.’s Faith- delish.
Opening date: Summer 2022, but Honest will be in Northern Monk Refectory six days a week until their official restaurant opening.
Find out more here.
Just Opened…
Here are all of the latest places to open in and around the city in the past month.
SALT Boston Spa
High Street, Boston Spa | Opened Friday 8 July 2022
Award-winning Yorkshire craft brewery SALT Beer Factory has been expanding across the city over the past year and later this month, the brand will be fusing craft beer and a casual dining experience at the former Stew & Oyster venue in Boston Spa.
Jamie Lawson, Founder, has commented on the opening: “We want to continue extending the retail presence of SALT, through our branded taprooms. SALT Boston Spa will be our second rebranded site after the acquisition of the Stew & Oyster Group. Our goal is to brew the best beer and serve it in the best environment, for us that’s beer perfection”.
Kulture Coffee
Kirkstall Road, Burley / Kirkstall | Now open
A cosy haven of coffee decked out in rustic interior to create a chilled and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for your weekly coffee morning with friends or your afternoon study break. The people at Kulture know their coffee so whether you’re a flat white fiend, a latte lover or can’t resist a frothy cappuccino, you can expect only the best quality cup made with passion and the utmost love.
Home of the Volcano Cookie and one of Leeds’ only brunch spots inspired by Sydney’s renowned coffee culture, the pairing of cookies and coffee effortlessly fuse inside the small cafe. Serving up your regular fresh iced lattes and Instagrammable pink vanilla bean offerings with whipped cream, this is sure to satisfy your daily caffeine needs.
Find out more here.
Green Room
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre | Now open
Serving up some of the biggest food and drink names in the city on a huge sun-trapped rooftop, Green Room is the brand-new city space with everything you need to celebrate the summer season. Expect barbecues, live DJs and eclectic seating options where guests can unwind with a pint from a local independent brewery in one hand and a delectable choice of plant-based street food in the other.
As such, the food here will be provided by award-winning vegan cafe Grön, who have made waves across the city with their feel-good plant-based food and Scandi-inspired Oakwood venue. Think Buddha bowls, sweet potato halloumi hash, alongside classic brunch dishes like avo on toast and Grön’s signature Vegan Pancakes with Blueberry compote, coconut yogurt, fresh blueberries, mint, Biscoff crumb and maple syrup.
Providing the pints, award-winning local breweries like Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock will be stocking the fridges and pumping the taps with craft beers and ales aplenty. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar provide mixology at its finest, showcasing a vast selection of cocktails, ranging from a Watermelon Mojito and Peach Margarita to a North Star Espresso Martini. North Star will also provide non-alcoholic options to fuel daytime guests with coffee options using ethically sourced coffee beans from the world’s best producers.
Find out more here.
Pollini’s Pizza
24 inch New York style pizzas by the slice- and there’s seemingly unlimited topping options to choose from. The new pizzeria can be found right in the heart of Leeds Market, located just before the food court and seating area. Freshly warmed and £4 a slice, these pizza slices are the perfect lunchtime treat – and can even start a debate in their own right with pineapple on their pizzas.
Humbl Coffee
Meanwood | Open from Friday 1 July 2022
Ever-humble, the independent coffee stop is owned by locals Matt and Georgia (and their dog Lou) and after growing their business presence at a host of pop-up events around Leeds over the past year and securing a local spot near Meanwood Park and Seagulls Reuse, the owners are now hoping to give the suburb that has taken in Humbl for the past twelve months, a permanent home in the form of a coffee shop.
Open 8am-3pm on weekdays and 10am-4pm at the weekend, you’ll find all of your favourite coffee shop options from the horse trailer inside their very own four walls, as well as a comfy seat or two to while away the afternoon.
Read More: Much-loved Humbl Coffee is set to open a permanent home in Meanwood
Meat Stack
Boar Lane, Leeds City Centre | Now open
Specialising in grilled, smashed and steamed burgers, Meat Stack has an excellent daytime menu – and breakfast options to rival McDonalds.
The success of their burgers followed them onto the main streets and now they’re bringing their attention to detail, authentic preparation methods and moreish flavour combo to Leeds. With ten different burger combos to choose from, including a pork and beef patty breakfast burger, vegan fried ‘chicken’ burger and a regularly changing monthly special, we have to say the menu really does look immense. It’s a cheat day treat if ever we saw one.
Whilst you can’t quite visit the MEAT:STACK venue just yet but you can drool over the menu and plan your visit to 34 Boar Lane to get your cheeseburger fix in the coming weeks.
Find out more here.
Pinnacle Beer and Gin Hall
Bond Street, Leeds city centre | Now open
Over 100 gins, over 20 draught lines from around the world, 7 pool tables, shuffleboard and Sky and BT Sports: will you really need to go anywhere else this summer? Launching in the former Roxy venue in Leeds city centre, Concept Tavern is bringing a brand-new six-figure drinking and gaming hall just in time for summer.
Named, Pinnacle Beer & Gin Hall, the huge venue is currently undergoing a dramatic £250k transformation. Expect floor-to-ceiling views of the city centre, between sips of signature cocktails and games of shuffleboard: this really is going to be the go-to hangout spot for large crowds.
Find out more here.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane | Now open
After taking a passion project full-time during the second Covid lockdown, owners Jake and Soph haven’t looked back since the launch of The Cheesy Living Co. in 2020. Supplying renowned chef Matt Healy’s Horsforth restaurant Forde with farmer’s cured meats and ingredients, but still managing to attend just about every small business and foodie market across the city, The Cheesy Living Co. is one of the most humbled new businesses around.
The idea is that by the time their first store does open (which isn’t too far away), you’ll know exactly what The Cheesy Living Co. stands for; the quality of the products and the cheese company will find that sweet spot between slipping into the market and coming in with a bang.
Their clientele speaks volumes for the quality- and from next month you’ll no longer have to wait for the next farmer’s market or pop-up event to get your hands on The Cheesy Living Co. stock: you’ll be able to pick it up with your weekly shop or on your daily commute in Leeds city centre.
Find out more here.
Opening date yet to be announced…
Golf Fang
This may be a golf-first opening, but the street food options here are set to attract plenty of attention in its own right.
Set to open in late autumn 2022, the Liverpool-born entertainment-street food-crazy golf concept will land just moments form the city centre and set up on Redcote Lane, Kirkstall. The will be a full 18 hole course to get through, with ample opportunity to see some familiar faces, like TV’s Jeremy Kyle on the course as well as some of Gold Fang’s best known holes like the Teddy Picker and Tunnel of Love on their themed courses.
The Melbourne
Firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick have announced they will be opening up a new location on Roundhay Road in Oakwood.
With 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. And what’s needed after a few beers? Maybe some fried chicken, or a burger, or both. The Brunswick have this and more and we are certain they’ll be bringing this winning formula over to Oakwood.
The new spot will be called ‘The Melbourne’ and will be joining a plethora of Leeds’ favourites on Roundhay Road. We don’t know all the dirty details yet but we know for sure that you can expect freshly poured pints and even fresher vibes.
Opening date: To be confirmed. Keep an eye on their socials to be kept in the loop.
Karen’s Diner
Read More: We went to Karen’s Diner to get shouted at before it opens in Leeds
The hilarious concept promises great food paired with terrible, almost laughable service, so it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience. Karen’s Diner has described the pop-up experience as “a place where you can complain until the cows come home because we literally don’t care” and it sounds far too intriguing to miss.
Even the menu is full of Karen-esque names like ‘Karen’s Got Beef’: a beef burger with overnight slow-cooked smokey BBQ beef brisket with bacon, coleslaw, caramelised onions and honey glazed barbecue sauce and the ‘Karen’s Bit on the Side’: the loaded fries menu.
The concept repels anything that we’d usually use to find out about it too: it describes itself as an “anti-Google review diner, a place where having 100k on Instagram gets you a naughty sticker rather than a free meal”.
Opening date: Karen’s Diner Sheffield has already opened, with Leeds soon to follow.
Find out more here.
Cut & Craft
Plans for Cut & Craft seem to have gone quiet, but we’re still holding out hope that the £1 million investment into Leeds Victoria Quarter will bring us some new fine dining options in the coming months.
The Cut & Craft are known in York for their comfortable yet stylish bar and restaurant, but the popular eatery have now announced they will be opening another venue in Leeds in 2022. There very little information about the specific details of the Leeds restaurant but visitors can expect the same beautiful interior and mouthwatering delights as their flagship York restaurant.
Opening date: Unknown but the company confirmed on their Instagram this week that construction has started.
Find out more here.
Libations Rum
Libations Rum announced in late 2021 that the company planed to revolutionised the distillery scene in Leeds and build the first rum production house in the city.
The company were overwhelmed by local support after launching the idea onto a crowdfunding platform and received 96% of donations needed towards their £150,000 budget in just twenty four hours. Now their Instagram states ‘Distillery & Blending House Coming 2022’ suggesting work is well and truly under way.
So far, the company have become national listings in Harvey Nichols, Amazon and Master of Malt, as well as willing a Gold Award at the World Rum Awards 2021. Their original concept to bring more transparency to spirits is a clear winner with the public and so this ethos will be carried through to the Leeds-based distillery.
Opening date: Spring 2022, but no confirmed date yet.
Find out more here.
Near Leeds…
Just because we’re based in Leeds doesn’t mean we have to stay confined within the four walls of our city. There’s loads of incredible new openings going on just miles from our door and will be well worth a short train, bus or car journey away.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, Sheffield
Over in Sheffield, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza has announced it will bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to Sheffield in June 2022- and they’re giving away 5,000 free pizzas to mark the occasion.
The eleventh Rudy’s to join the familia since opening in Ancoats, Manchester in 2015, Rudy’s is all about the pizza and following the authentic Neapolitan technique- so it’ll be well worth a trip to Sheffield to get your hands on. The opening date hasn’t been announced just yet, but to keep up to date and register for your free pizza, visit the Rudy’s Sheffield website.
Opening date: Monday 4 July 2022.
Find out more here.
The Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire
The Star Inn at Harome has finally announced that it will be reopening in 2022 following reconstruction of its former building.
The Michelin-starred gastropub took to Twitter to announce that the rebuilding of the building has begun and visitors can expect to dine inside once more from late autumn 2022- around one year after the building caught fire. The 14th century thatched inn set ablaze back in November with ‘only ashes’ remaining of the award-winning gastropub. Nine firefighters battled through the night to keep the fire under control, but lost their battle after at least nine hours of work.
Located in Harome on the North Yorkshire Moors, the gastropub is just over an hour from Leeds city centre and well worth the trip upon reopening for incredible Michelin-star cuisine that won The Star at Harome a prestigious third place in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2022, despite only being open for a few short months before its unforeseen closure.
Opening date: Autumn 2022, with construction now underway.
Find out more here.
Bundobust York
Since Bundobust opened its first restaurants in Leeds back in 2014, the locally-renowned India street food and craft beer restaurant has slowly taken over the north, one bhaji box at a time. Now, Bundobust is opening a second Yorkshire restaurant in the heart of York.
The former Argos building on Piccadilly in York’s city centre is their chosen base and although the owner’s haven’t officially announced their expansion online, an application for a new venue has been filed with the intention of opening as soon as possible.
On the menu, we’re expecting all of our favourite dishes and far more. Inspired by its Gujarati roots, the Bundobust offering has always been 100% vegetarian, with around two thirds of the menu completely plant-based, the new York location is set to be no different.
Opening date: Unknown but expected to be within the coming months if approved without restriction
Find out more here.
Hooters Salford
If you’ve never heard of Hooters- it’s a concept you’re unlikely to forget soon. The UK-born restaurant chain is where Playboy meets hospitality- and now it looks as if we’ll have one not too far from us in Leeds.
An application has been submitted to Salford City Council in Greater Manchester to open the restaurant at 3 Capital Quay Salford from 4 May, reports The Manc. If successful, the restaurant will open seven days a week from 9am to 1am, Monday to Friday. The ‘Hooters Girls’, at work, its all-female server team is required to wear low cut tops and short shorts to serve food to customers and to dance for them on their birthday.
On the food side of things, the restaurant is rather highly-rated for its chicken wings. It serves up six different styles – original breaded, naked, boneless, Datyona, smoked and roasted – with a choice of 17 different sauces ranging from mild to ‘hot as all hell’.
Opening date: will depend on if approved by Salford City Council
Find out more here.
Drive-thru Greggs, Bradford
The one we’ve all been waiting for… The drive-thru Greggs will be one of the first in Yorkshire and only the ‘sixth or seventh’ to open in the country.
The popular chain opened their first drive-thru to the public in Manchester back in 2017 but is now expanding at a quick pace, with new drive-thru branches opening in both Cumbria and Wales in early 2021. This was supposed to be Yorkshire’s first drive-thru Greggs but one was opened near Sheffield in the final weeks of 2021. Still, we’re looking forward to having one nearby.
Construction of the new building is likely to begin in the new year after the former pub on the site has been demolished.
Opening date: Unknown, but work is supposed to have already commenced on the project.
Find out more here.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
