The new vintage shop is expected to open at Easter.
A haven of old school Levi’s, tartan shirts, trinkets, and nearly-untouched pieces from the 70s, the original three-floor Call Lane store has been a mainstay for vintage lovers in the city for decades.
Since moving to its new Leeds location just over the road last year, Blue Rinse continues to showcase the best of its vintage selection across a whopping five floors, each with their own unique style and plenty of one-off pieces waiting to be rediscovered and reloved.
Now adding a brand new store to Leeds, the popular vintage fashion store is set to open a city centre outlet inside the Merrion Centre in Leeds' Arena Quarter.
The 3,679 square foot store has its eyes on opening at Easter and is set to include a vintage collection named ‘Remade in England’, stocking range of upcycled and repurposed vintage garments and feature exclusive reworked clothing lines and one-off pieces.
Andy Swain, Director, Blue Rinse is excited about the new opening. “I’ve always had a soft spot for the Merrion Centre since shopping in the Merrion Market in the late 90s.
"The Merrion Centre has always been a cultural hub and enjoys a special status in the Leeds music scene dating back to The Phono, The Basement and more recently with Key Club and Leeds institution Jumbo Records. We are super excited to opening our second Leeds store in the Merrion Centre and look forward to welcoming you all soon.”
The Call Lane store spans over five floors and remains a staple for vintage clothes lovers decades after first opening. / Image: Blue Rinse
The first Blue Rinse store was opened in 1997, born out of two brothers’ desire for new clothes and an inability to pay for them.
The founders told Leeds Live last year that: “When we were 18, 19, we were skint. You could go into a charity shop and find a decent T-shirt. It was born from that, and my brother ended up selling in a used clothing shop, then we started doing markets.”
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.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
16th March 2023 
