Just three miles out of Leeds City Centre, Meanwood has been building a reputation as an ever-evolving suburb.
Now home to foodie spots aplenty, the little Leeds community has been hailed for the second year running by The Telegraph as one of the UK's coolest neighbourhoods.
And it's not difficult to see why.
In the past two years alone, the high street has welcomed countless new bars and restaurants, and the old favourites that have stood the test of time have continued to receive praise from the likes of esteemed characters like Guardian Food Critic, Jay Rayner, amongst others.
Unlike neighbouring Headingley, it's far from an 'up-all-hours' suburb, and balances long evenings at the pub and coffee mornings with mates with its green spaces.
The Meanwood Valley Trail and Meanwood Park were particularly favoured by the national newspaper, as well as its access to local shops, bakeries and community feel.
Here's what The Telegraph had to say about Meanwood:
"Close to Headingley Stadium in northern Leeds, Meanwood is one of the city's most creative neighbourhoods and also one of its leafiest.
"It's northwest quarter is a gateway to the Meanwood Valley Trail, a seven-mile green artery that connects to a hopping little high street splashed with wall murals, painted telecoms boxes (the fruits of a community-driven arts project) and lined with some of the city's best neighbourhood bars."
Herencia by Nicko Lachica. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Telegraph recommends Terminus, Alfred, Meanwood Tavern and Marcel's - but we've put together a full guide of all the new spots that aren't to be missed on your next visit here.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Sophie Smith -
23rd April 2024 
