A beloved Leeds coffee shop has left fans heartbroken today after posting a notice on its social media pages alerting them to a temporary closure.
Mrs Athas in Leeds city centre has 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.
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.'
The post continued: "We are on the brink. If this shop didn't mean so much to me personally and I wasn't so emotionally invested in every single aspect of it then I would have already called it a day.
Image: Mrs Atha's
"Everyone knows how much this place means to me. My grandma's name is above the door. I love doing what I do. I love the people. Our amazing loyal customers. I love this city."
Owners at Mrs Athas also went on to accuse Leeds City Council of having 'no concern' for small businesses, adding that 'it is not in their interests to care.'
The statement has led council bosses to share a statement in response on Leeds City Council's official Instagram channel.
Appearing as an Instagram story, the statement from the council said: "Announcement: We are sorry to hear today about the impacts of ongoing work outside of Mrs Atha's and surrounding businesses and we have reached out to them directly to discuss how we can support them going forward.
Image: Mrs Atha's
"We would encourage businesses within the city centre to get in touch with our city centre management team if they feel there are problems that we could work with them on to find solutions."
Prior to the release of the statement by Leeds City Council Mrs Atha's owners revealed that Tuesday, 20 June would be the last day of trade for the time being whilst they take 'some time to take stock of what is going on and figure out a way to proceed.'
The closure post, which has been liked nearly 2,000 times at the time of writing, summarised: "It's a sad day. But it's not the end. It's just the beginning of a next phase.'
Featured image - Mrs Athas
Eats
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month
Clementine Hall
A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.
If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.
It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.
And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.
The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're talking our language.
Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.
"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."
They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."
Georgina Pellant -
20th June 2023 
