Eats

Cult favourite Mexican eatery, Boojum, set to open first mainland UK venue in Leeds this April

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 30th January 2024

And to celebrate, they're giving away free burritos for a whole year.

Top rated Mexican burrito bar, Boojum, is bringing its super fresh, high-quality, 'live out loud food' to Leeds Merrion Centre this April.

This will be the brand's first mainland UK venue, after establishing themselves as a cult brand on the island of Ireland.

From what started as one Belfast store back in 2007 to 15 today, Boojum is known for its delicious, fresh food at an affordable price point.

Image: Supplied

But despite having only 15 stores, Boojum was recently recognised as having the 6th
most trending dish on Deliveroo globally (number 1 in Mexican) and already has nearly
150,000 followers on social media.

Boojum's menu features burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, chips and salsas which is all made fresh in store every day.

“Quality and value are at the heart of Boojum. We work hard to ensure every burrito, in every store, is made to the same high standard every day. To do great things you have to love what you do. And we love what we do,” said Rob Powell, Head of Operations.

A burrito from Boojum.
Image: Supplied

The new opening in Leeds Merrion Centre will create 40 new jobs.

“People are at the heart of Boojum. Team members are encouraged to be genuine and express themselves – it’s what gives the Boojum brand a personality. We're not afraid to be different, offering a unique personality in a market often focused on functionality. This really resonates with our core student customers” said Head of Marketing, Paul McCullagh.

David Maxwell, CEO of Boojum said: “Our goal is to spread the Boojum experience across the UK, bringing our unique blend of flavour and personality to 25 new stores over the next 5 years. Selecting Leeds for our first mainland store is no coincidence. The city's bustling student life and reputation as a foodie paradise make it the perfect stage for us. We're not just serving food; we're creating experiences and we're excited to blend our Belfast roots with the dynamic spirit of Leeds."

Read more: Tom Zanetti announces he is ‘no longer associated’ with Leeds’ ‘eat, drink, play’ bar, Playroom

Featured image - Supplied

Eats

10 of the best new openings coming to Leeds in 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Allow us to get you excited about the next one with a list of new openings coming to the city.

If you're feeling a little bit down in the dumps about 2025 ending then do not fear, because we've got a feeling that the next year is about to be even bigger and better.

There's already a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops gearing up to open up in Leeds during, so let us fill you in.

Salon Madre and Madre

Wellington Street

Image: The Manc Eats

Are you ready for a fresh taste of Mexico Leeds? Well you better be – because Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street in due course.

Not only that, but their lively sibling Salon Madre will be opening next door on Friday 20 February. Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens. Madre will open one month later.

Trinity Kitchen 2.0

Image: Supplied

Trinity Leeds is embarking on a major transformation with a £15 million expansion, introducing a second food court called ‘Freight Island’⁠
⁠
The upgrade will add around 72,000 sq ft of new space, including a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking City Square the perfect spot to enjoy ⁠great food with skyline views.  

Burgerism

Meanwood

Image: The Manc Eats

You may remember when Burgerism had a delivery kitchen in Leeds, and ever since it closed we’ve had a Burgerism-shaped hole in our hearts. ⁠
⁠
Well not any longer, because the Manchester-based burger chain has been given the go ahead to open a takeaway on Meanwood Road - hallelujah. ⁠

Dishoom

Taking over the old Flannels Site on Vicar Lane

Image: The Hoot Leeds

The legendary Indian restaurant group is coming to Leeds, and we’re absolutely buzzing about it. Dishoom is inspired by the Irani cafes of 1960s Bombay, which were meeting places for people from all walks of life.

Famed for their Indian twist on a classic breakfast (seriously, their breakfast naans are out of this world), Dishoom offers an all-day dining approach so you can get your Bombay fix from morning to noon and noon to night.

Planning permission is up for the restaurant to take over the former Flannels site on Vicar Lane, so fingers crossed it won’t be too long until we can all get stuck in.

Read more: Dishoom Leeds takes a big step forward as planning permission granted

Once Upon A Vine

Headingley

Just when you thought the wine scene in Headingley couldn’t get any better, Once Upon A Vine is popping the cork on their third site - right in the heart of Headingley.

Expect hundreds of wines, plenty of bottles of fizz, and of course, a carefully curated local beer selection.

Uniqlo

Briggate

Image: Uniqlo


It’s happening…Uniqlo has confirmed it’s opening up right here in Leeds next year and we must say it’s looking very nice indeed. ⁠
⁠
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.⁠ It’s part of a new expansion across the UK alongside new stores in Birmingham and Bristol. ⁠

Read more: Retail giant Uniqlo confirm opening date for new Leeds store

Tori Nori

Vicar Lane

A new Japanese grill and BBQ restaurant is opening up from Fern, the absolute mastermind behind Fern Modern Sushi. Opening up in the heart of the city on Vicar Lane, we can't wait for this one.

Dough Club

Burley Road

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.

Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they’ll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.

MADE Matcha

Lower Briggate

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Introducing MADE Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year. And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.

Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site and this pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.

Lane 7

Albion Street

Image: The Hoot leeds

The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.

As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

A dedicated matcha bar made famous in Sheffield is opening in Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.

It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.

If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.

Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.

Images: The Sheff

And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.

Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.

So, what can we expect from Made?

This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.

Images: The Sheff

You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.

Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.

Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.

We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.

There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.

Read more: Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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