With so many new openings popping up in our exciting city, it can be hard to keep track.
Keep reading to find a guide of what’s new in Leeds and everywhere to taste test upon opening…
Opening this summer…
TADA
Otley Road, Headingley | Opening summer 2022
There’s a huge array of eateries and cuisine in and around Headingley, and now with new kids on the block TADA joining Otley Road, you’ll be able to dine on Japanese cuisine as well.
The restaurant will be split across two floors. The bottom floor will serve as a traditional sushi bar and the top will serve grilled yakitori skewers and bowls of comforting ramen alongside a carefully curated list of trendy cocktails, sakes and Japanese whiskeys. Set to open this summer, we can’t wait to try it out.
Well Oiled
Meanwood | Opening September 2022
After a number of successful pop-up residencies across Leeds throughout the summer, Well Oiled will be setting up their own shop in Meanwood and serving Detroit style pizzas to the masses.
Expect dough which will blow your socks off, proved for 48 hours to enhance flavour and to achieve the perfectly pillowy focaccia style texture. Topped with knock out ingredients sourced from local British and international, artisan producers.
Just opened
Here are all of the latest places to open in and around the city in the past month.
Kino
New Briggate | Now open
Kino, meaning cinema, has been lovingly built from the rubble of a former-derelict cinema space. The space within the Grade II-listed Opera North opened its doors in July, revealing a space with soft greys and blues, terrazzo table-tops, and a stunning tiled bar.
The gist of the food offering is a simple one – boards loaded with cheese, charcuterie, and other nibbles, sourced as regionally as possible. This exciting new opening is far more than a foodie option for theatre-goers, it’s set to be a game-changing restaurant championing independents near and far, all whilst keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum.
Read more: Inside Kino, the stunning new cinema-turned-restaurant in Leeds city centre
Veranda
Stainbeck Road | Now open
Inspired by the bold colours and seaside of the Amalfi coast, Veranda is the new summer pop-up from Culto Meanwood, perfect to soak up the last of the summer sun. Feast your eyes on sharing platters and graze on homemade focaccia, Burrata cheese balls, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and a selection of Italian antipasti, designed for either two or four at a time, with vegan alternatives for those dining on a plant-based diet.
Open weekdays from 5pm and midday at the weekend, post-work drinks and light bites are available until until 10pm as long as the sun is shining.
Read more: The new pop-up Italian aperitivo Veranda in Leeds with frozen limoncello cocktails
Dastaan Leeds
Adel | Now Open
Dastaan has been offering something quite special down south since its beginnings in 2017, but now the award-winning Indian restaurant has opened a second home right here in Leeds.
Diners can experience a whole host of exotic flavours paired with regional specialities- each with a modern twist. The original Dastaan in Epsom has many accolades and it is no surprise why, 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.
Batch’d
Trinity Leeds | Opening date unknown
If you’ve caught the scent of melting chocolate or the crunch of cookies in Leeds Train Station over the past few months, chances are you’ve been drooling over Batch’d, the Leeds-born small business championing the city’s independent dessert traders.
There’s delicious baked goods and artisan desserts aplenty to choose from. Think donuts, brownies, cookies, cookie pies, pastel de natas and ice cream from Leeds-own Doboy donuts, Brown & Blond Brownies, 42nd East Bakehouse, Sweet Tooth Bakery to choose from- and now, there will be a brand new location in Trinity shopping centre for foodies to pick up their sweet treats.
Whilst the official opening date is yet to be announced, you can bet that the news will keep Loiners heading to Leeds Trinity in anticipation of the new opening.
Read more: New opening: Batch’d is opening its first store in Leeds
Rudy’s Chapel Allerton
Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton | Now open
Taking over the former Casa Mia site at 10 – 12 Stainbeck Lane, this is 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 can indulge on Napoli pizzas like the 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. Their doors opened two weeks ago and their comfortable, neighbourhood pizzeria has been jam packed ever since.
Rabbit Hole Coffee
Stainburn Parade, Roundhay | Now open
They’ve just opened their very first cafe, however Rabbit Hole has been taking over the Leeds coffee scene for quite some time. Focusing on impeccable service, a fantastic working environment and above all brilliant coffee and cakes, this is the place to be for your morning pitstop.
Find the new cafe on Stainburn parade or grab your iced coffee fix from either Chophaus in Roundhay or in the Victoria Quarter.
Honest Burgers
Cloth Hall Street, Leeds City Centre | Now open
Joining the likes of Manchester and Liverpool, Leeds is the latest city to open an Honest Burgers restaurant and we couldn’t be happier.
Expect a menu full of mouth-watering, juicy burgers alongside a range of tongue-tantalising sides and refreshing beverages. Every burger comes with a side of rosemary salted chips, coleslaw or salad, so it’s a no brainer right? Their new digs are located just opposite the Corn Exchange so it’s the perfect place to stop by and refuel in the midst of a day of shopping.
Find out more here.
SALT Boston Spa
High Street, Boston Spa | Now open
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”.
Humbl Coffee
Meanwood | Now open
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
Pollini’s Pizza
Kirkgate Market | Now open
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.
Coach and Horses
West Park, Harrogate | Now open
A historic Harrogate pub with a history dating back as far as 1830 made a triumphant return after a two-year hiatus, and it’s well worth a trip day or night from Leeds.
The Coach & Horses has long been considered a local institution, famed for its warm traditional charm, Sunday roasts and real ales. The reopening saw newly refurbished interior with careful details and the utmost tribute paid to the pub’s stunning original features and character with a gastro-style food menu after the pub was acquired by the multi-award-winning Provenance Collection.
New Trinity Kitchen food trucks
Trinity Kitchen | Now open
It’s that time of the month again: Trinity Kitchen is changing hands once more to make way for some brand new foodie talent. First up, The Little Pasta Company are serving a carb-filled menu of perfectly cooked pasta in a range of home cooked sauces. We have our eyes on the N’duja ragu which is piled high with creamy burrata and parmesan.
Next up is Yoi Fried Chicken, find everything from their classic fried chicken baos and burgers to creamy peanut satay and Katsu curry mayo. Another favourite to return to Trinity is Dog Almighty, who are bringing a drool-worthy selection of artisan hot dogs which are entirely handmade in Yorkshire with home-smoked toppings and plenty of dirty fries to keep you going.
Providing the sweet treat in Leeds needs this summer, The Waffle Cone will be a go-to stop on a hot summer’s day. Serving up ice cream options by the scoop, there’s opportunity here to personalise your dish with a choice of waffles and toppings.
Last but not least is Yard Burger, expect the likes of Philly cheesesteaks alongside burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, served up using locally-sourced ingredients. These vendors will be hanging out in Trinity for the next 8 weeks so make sure to check them out.
Read more: Inside the new Trinity Kitchen food trucks: July / August 2022
Coming Soon
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
Leeds | Opening date unknown
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.”
The Melbourne
Roundhay Road | Opening date unknown
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.
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.
Golf Fang
Redcote Lane | Opening date unknown
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.
Feature images – Batch’d/Veranda/Rudy’s
