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.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
2nd September 2025 
