HYGGE, the much-loved Sheffield-based brunch and coffee spot, is setting up shop in Leeds.
Located on Woodhouse Lane, the new 2,000 sq. ft venue will be HYGGE's fourth site and its first outside of Sheffield.
Known for its inviting, chilled out atmosphere, HYGGE has become a staple for Sheffield students and locals alike.
Offering a selection of artisan coffees, matches and smoothies as well as a perfectly curated brunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients.
Images: The Sheff
Whether you're looking to crack on with some work or catch up with friends over a brew, HYGGE invites everyone enjoy the space the way they like.
Opening in mid-September, the opening will coincide perfectly with the new influx of students touching down in the city.
Images: The Sheff
Alex Moore, Owner of HYGGE, said:"We’re incredibly excited to be bringing HYGGE to Leeds for the very first time. We’ve built a loyal following in Sheffield, and when the opportunity came up to open in such a prominent location at the Merrion Centre, we knew it was the perfect fit.
"Our aim has always been to create spaces where people can slow down, relax, and enjoy great food and coffee – and we can’t wait to welcome our new Leeds customers into the HYGGE family."
Images: The Sheff
Charles Newman, Associate Director, Estates for Town Centre Securities PLC (owners of the Merrion Centre), added: "HYGGE is a fantastic addition to our Woodhouse Lane line-up and to the city’s food and drink scene. We’re confident their distinctive offering will be a big hit with visitors, students, and local workers alike.
"This is another exciting step in our ongoing strategy to enhance the Merrion Centre’s mix of unique, high-quality operators."
To mark the exciting opening, HYGGE will host a launch day celebration offering free coffee for the first 50 customers as well as exclusive discounts and a cosy soundtrack to set the mood.
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 -
2nd September 2025 
