Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we’re here to tell you all about them.
Three quarters of the way into the year and it's safe to say 2025 has brought some banging new openings to the city.
It sometimes can be overwhelming to know where to visit with all the 'newness', so we've rounded up five of our favourite spots that have opened recently for your perusal.
Enjoy and we'll be back in a few months with even more newness.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Brewery Place
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s a new tavern in town and it’s celebrating all things Leeds.
Introducing the Brewery Wharf Tavern, a new riverside pub from the absolute masterminds behind Whitelock’s Ale House, The Meanwood Tavern and White Cloth Hall.Â
Overlooking the River Aire taking over the spot previously occupied by Home on Brewery Place, the Brewery Wharf Tavern boasts an absolutely banging beer garden with fantastic views of the river.
But the inside is just as great, with a striking mural by Nicolas Dixon wrapping around the interior and plush maroon booths and 70s-inspired seating filling the space.
Leeds has just turned up the heat with its first-ever bottomless Mediterranean tapas restaurant and trust us, La Fiesta is bringing all the flavour, all the fun, and all the fiesta feels.
Tuck into a whirlwind of plates inspired by Spain, Turkey and Greece, from sizzling paella to perfectly-cured Spanish meats. Sip your way through crisp Spanish wines, sun-soaked cocktails, and jug after glorious jug of sangria, because one glass is never enough.
Fat Hippo
Boar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
City dwellers, the wait is finally over for you as the burger bosses Fat Hippo have brought their buns to Boar Lane.
Think stacked, saucy, sky-high burgers, plus starters and sides that are anything but a side note. And don’t worry plant-based pals because their vegan and veggie creations are so good they’ll make you relish every bite.
LeSon Leeds
Kirkgate
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This gorgeous brand-new Vietnamese restaurant has just touched down on Kirkgate, and it's our new go-to spot for banging banh mis, warming bowls of noodles and traditional egg coffee and matcha. Delicious.
Crowded House
Trinity Shopping Centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Three's A Crowd comes Crowded House, a swanky new rooftop bar and restaurant that has taken the coveted spot where Angelica's and Crafthouse used to stand.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, great cocktails and a well curated all-day dining menu for every occasion.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.