Plans for a new bar and cafe space in a Grade II listed building on Kirkgate have been given the go ahead.
Leeds City Council has approved the plans to transform the vacant office space above the Royal Amusements arcade submitted by Faum Architecture.
The cafe and bar will be located on the first floor above the Royal Amusements arcade, with access to pedestrians from New Market Street.
An extension for additional seating area will be added above the Daily News kiosk towards the Corn Exchange.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The plans also include an extension over the amusement arcade clad in ceramic times with slim profile glazed windows.
The plans don't yet reveal the name of the new venue or when it plans to open, but the development will be a welcome addition to the somewhat rundown area of Kirkgate.
On approving the application, Leeds City Council said development must start before March 2027.
In the Design and Heritage statement, Faum Architecture wrote: “The proposed first-floor extension is a visionary addition to the existing structure, featuring elegant bi-folding doors that will significantly expand the available space on the first floor. This extension aims to harness the maximum capacity of the building, creating a versatile and open environment.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“On the ground floor, the design incorporates a small kiosk and a retail store, offering an exciting blend of commercial spaces, adding vibrancy and functionality to the building and street.
“This innovative concept promises to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the building, making it a hub of activity.”
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Beloved Leeds bistro launches £30 lunchtime menu with strong focus on zero-waste cooking
Clementine Hall
You can now dine at one of Leeds' best restaurants for less.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
And now a year after relocating to Headingley, The Swine Bistro have launched a new lunchtime menu offering three courses for under £30, bringing its award-winning cooking to a daytime audience.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Led by sous chef Angus Evans and inspired by his previous role as head chef at Leeds organic restaurant Eat Your Greens, Evans has introduced new ways to make better use of ingredients and ensure the kitchen operates with minimal waste.
A standout dish is the Potato Pancake with Braised Chicken, Leek Top Relish and Walnut Ketchup made from leftover Sunday roast potatoes.
Angus Evans, sous chef at The Swine Bistro, said: "Sustainability has always been integral to how I cook and Jo and Stu were keen for me to expand this within the Swine Bistro menu.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"It’s about ensuring every ingredient works harder. It’s not just about nose-to-tail cooking, it’s about using every part of our produce more thoughtfully - repurposing leftovers, and turning overlooked ingredients into something genuinely exciting on the plate. It shows how creativity in the kitchen can go hand in hand with reducing waste.”
Three courses for under £30 are now available at lunchtime at The Swine Bistro, and you can book your table here.
Clementine Hall -
4th April 2024 
