It's been a long time coming, but it looks like STACK Leeds is officially on its way to the city.
You may remember back in March 2024 that Leeds City Council confirmed STACK as its preferred operator for the proposed venue at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
STACK, which already has locations across the country, promised to offer an exciting mix of food, drink and entertainment in part of the market’s outdoor trading area.
And now, following further design and preparatory work, the council and STACK can today announce the signing of a formal lease agreement and with that, the start of construction could just be around the corner.
So, what can we expect? Under current plans, STACK Leeds would be spread across two floors, with a central plaza seating area covered by a ‘stretch tent’ providing shelter from the elements.
The plaza would be home to two large digital screens as well as a stage that would be used for a busy programme of live music and other entertainment.
There would be ten street food outlets, six bars and a coffee shop.
The development is expected to create around 160 jobs, and building is hoped to start in 2026 with an opening date later in the year.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: "The plans for STACK Leeds are really exciting and underline our ongoing commitment to backing and investing in Leeds Kirkgate Market.
“I’m delighted, therefore, that the project has now reached this important milestone, thanks to a great deal of hard work from both the council and STACK. Together we are determined to ensure that the new venue is very much part of the market, rather than a standalone attraction.
“Every person heading to STACK Leeds will also be a potential shopper, whether that’s on the day or during a return visit. Some may even start making regular trips to the market for the first time, having previously been unaware of the recent retail improvements there."
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more
Thomas Melia
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Clementine Hall -
4th August 2025 
