One of Leeds' most treasured coffee shops has announced it will be reopening, just a few days on from announcing it would be shutting up temporarily to ‘some time to take stock of what is going on and figure out a way to proceed.’
The announcement, left customers ‘gutted’ after it shared it would be shutting its doors for now because of ‘mounting costs’ and the knock on effects of ‘building works’ outside.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
According to owners at Mrs Athas, this is having ‘an almost ruinous effect’ and has led to the shop’s weekday trade being ‘absolutely decimated.’
Now, in a swift turn of events, the much-loved coffee shop has announced it will be returning once more after receiving both 'the coverage and the leverage' needed to secure its future.
Reopening this Friday, the news was announced on Instagram this afternoon with a huge thank you to the loyal customers.
"The news we have all been waiting for! I honestly can’t thank each and every one of you enough for being a massive part of the reason we are announcing today that we will be reopening on Friday 7th July at 9am!!
"The response from our amazing loyal customers that got us the coverage and the leverage we needed to make sure that we could secure our future has been truly inspirational. Never thought we could make it happen this quickly! But here we are!!
"See you Friday!!!"
What is Mrs Athas?
If this is the first you've heard of Mrs Athas - we hope it's certainly not your last.
The independent, family-run specialist coffee shop is located on Central Road just off Briggate. The interior is warm, welcoming and oozes that industrial-chic charm. By making their caffeinated concoctions with a rotating supply of beans, no visit will be the same but every sip will be utterly delicious.
Their beautifully ornate silver tea spoons are collected from charity shops and vintage markets along the way and these alone make Mrs Atha’s well worth the visit. The most picture-perfect sugar stirring vehicle ever.
And you may be wondering ‘Who is Mrs Atha?’, named after the owner’s Grandmother the cosy cafe proudly hangs a portrait of her on the wall alongside other framed pieces of art work and newspaper clippings.
The staff make you feel right at home and the seasonal food menu is enough to get your tummy rumbling with one glance, so if you haven’t visited Mrs Atha’s yet we urge you to do so now.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
The Hoot -
3rd July 2023 
