Leeds has welcomed a whole host of new places to eat and drink recently, and there’s a lot to get excited about.
We all love our food, and it's safe to say we love writing about it.
So please, allow us to indulge by telling you all about five of our favourite new foodie openings that have popped up in and around Leeds over the past few months.
But fair warning, continuing to read on may cause extreme hunger...
Moods
98 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just over a month ago, one of Leeds' most historic buildings was transformed into an all-day cafe, bar, restaurant and events space.
Moods is the brainchild of husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo.
They do it all, whether you're popping in for a coffee and a spot of brunch or swinging by for a few carefully curated cocktails and some small plates to share with friends. With a kitchen led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, you know you're in good hands.
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful and has been in the pipeline for quite some time.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows. They've really thought of every little detail, even down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
If you order anything - let it be the lamb chops (thank us later).
Rizia's Bottega, on Bolling Road on the outskirts of Ilkley, officially opened at the end of August following a soft launch, serving authentic schiacciata sandwiches, colourful salads, and light Sicilian breakfasts.
The new neighbourhood spot comes from the team behind Ilkley favourite Emporio Italia and has been created as somewhere locals can pop in for their morning coffee, sit down for a bite to eat, or pick up some high-quality Italian treats to enjoy at home.
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last.
Bruncho has opened on The Headrow, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre.
Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C. We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
Domo is an independent restaurant 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 that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, you could do a lot worse than plonking yourself on the terrace with mates, ordering a selection of their cocktails and tucking into a heaping plate of fried calamari and prawns or a carefully curated plate of Sardinian cured meats and cheeses.
Johnny Cash’s biggest hits come to the stage, but the first act takes a little too long to find its rhythm
I’ll be honest, I went into The Ballad of Johnny & June knowing the songs far better than I knew the actual story.
Johnny Cash? Obviously. Ring of Fire? Of course. That famous black suit and unmistakable voice? You’d have to be living under a rock.
But ask me to tell you the ins and outs of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s relationship, and I probably wouldn’t have got very far.
Images: Supplied
So, sitting down at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Tuesday 15 September, I was going in pretty much blind, expecting some big country classics, big performances and, naturally, Ring of Fire.
And while the show definitely delivered on the music, I have to say to say that act one felt VERY long. There’s a lot of story to get through, from Johnny and June’s early lives and careers to their meeting, relationship, family life and the struggles that came with fame.
But there were quite a few scenes where I found myself thinking they could have been cut without taking anything away from the bigger story.
The narration was another thing I struggled with.
John Carter Cash guides us through his parents’ story, jumping back and forth through different points in their lives. I completely understand why it’s there, especially for someone like me who didn’t know the story inside and out.
But with such a huge story, incredible songs and two massive characters at its centre, it felt like the safer option.
Image: Supplied
I couldn’t help thinking that there was potential for a much grander piece of musical theatre, rather than relying so heavily on narration to move the story along.
But, then came act two.
And honestly, this is where the show completely won me back.
Suddenly there was more drive, more emotion and much more depth to the characters. Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash feels completely at home in the role. He captures that unmistakable voice and presence without it ever feeling like a simple impersonation.
And Christina Bianco as June Carter is brilliant. She brings so much energy and personality to June, but it’s her more emotional moments that really stay with you. Her solo before June dies is utterly heartbreaking.
Image: Supplied
It was one of those moments where the whole theatre seemed to go silent, and you could feel everyone completely invested in what was happening on stage.
The chemistry between Bianco and Grant is also a huge part of what makes their story work, while the rest of the cast all feel like they’ve been cast in exactly the right roles.
And then, of course, there’s the music.
I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson,A Boy Named Sue and, naturally, Ring of Fire all make an appearance. Hearing those songs performed live with the band on stage is easily one of the show’s biggest strengths. In fact, it’s during these big musical moments that you realise just how much potential this story has.
I just wanted more of that in Act One.
By the time the curtain came down, though, I had gone from knowing Johnny Cash for a handful of songs to understanding much more about the man, June and the story behind the music.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 15 September until Saturday 19 September 2026. Tickets are available here.
A spellbinding family-friendly Halloween trail is coming to Leeds this October
Clementine Hall
Get ready to be bewitched this Halloween season.
‘Spellbound’ is a brand-new Halloween trail where the whole family can collect clues and help mend a broken spell.
Known for its award-winning Halloween events, Lotherton’s latest concept is simple. Ten witches. One broken spell. Mend it before winter.
Reckon you've got what it takes?
Every spooky season, the witches of Lotherton Hall cast one charm together to gather the last of the summer's warmth and store it to help the estate get through the winter safely.
Image: Supplied
But this year the charm has come undone and its ten words have scattered across the estate, waiting for you to find them.
Families can collect a spellbook at the gate and set off to find the ten willow arches belonging to each of the witches of Lotherton, searching through the woods, gardens, Wildlife World and around Lotherton Hall.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “This year, Halloween at Lotherton promises to be better than ever, with magical events for the whole family.
“Once Upon a Nightmare is perfect for thrill seekers aged nine and above who are fans of fairytales with a scary twist, whereas Spellbound will be an enchanting trail for those interested in helping our witches mend a spell at a gentler pace.”
Image: Supplied
As well as Spellbound, the popular evening Halloween event Once Upon a Nightmare is returning for the third time, and the estate will also be welcoming visitors to its annual pumpkin patch.
Spellbound at Lotherton Hall will take place from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026 and is included in general Lotherton admission. Find out more here.
Clementine Hall -
16th September 2026 
