Because authentic Brazilian rodizio bar and grill Estabulo is set to open a brand-new restaurant at the Merrion Centre in Leeds this October.
Just moments away from the First Direct Arena adjoining the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre hotel, the new venue will be in the perfect location for concert-goers or for those stopping off in Leeds.
If you haven't been to Estabulo before, then allow us to get you clued up on what to expect.
Guests can enjoy Estabulo’s renowned rodizio dining experience, where a variety of meats are slow-roasted over open flames and carved at the table to enjoy as much as desired.
Image: Supplied
And we really mean it, if you don't leave here with the meat sweats then you're doing something wrong.
Every meal also includes unlimited access to Estabulo’s extensive salad bar, which features seasonal produce as well as cheeses, and Brazilian-inspired sides.
But it doesn't stop there because in addition to the signature rodizio, the new Estabulon will also serve the group’s popular à la carte menu launched earlier this year, with highlights including the Flat Iron Steak, Scottish Bavette, and the Estabulo Burger.
Sophie Blackburn, Operations Manager at Estabulo, said: “Opening our new restaurant marks a really exciting step for the brand. We’re passionate about sharing authentic Brazilian flavours and creating a vibrant dining atmosphere, and this venue gives us the perfect opportunity to welcome even more guests to enjoy the rodizio experience.”
Charles Newman, Associate Director, Estates for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Estabulo to the Merrion Centre. Their rodizio-style dining adds something truly unique to our growing line-up of international restaurants.
"With the venue directly connected to our ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena hotel, it will provide a fantastic option for hotel guests and arena visitors alike. With thousands of office workers and students nearby, we are confident this new venue will become a key addition to the Arena Quarter.”
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
13th October 2025 
