Beloved Thai restaurant, Giggling Squid, which has restaurants all over the UK is opening its first site in Leeds.
Giggling Squid has taken over the empty Royal Bank of Scotland site in the city centre with plans to transform it into a huge restaurant.
Founded in 2002 in Brighton, Giggling Squid has expanded rapidly in recent years now with more than 50 restaurants operating across the country.
The chain is known for it's beautiful and vibrant decor, as well as bold and flavourful dishes inspired by the rich landscape of Thailand.
Image: Giggling SquidImage: The Hoot Leeds
The restaurant already has a site in Harrogate on John Street, which is extremely busy and boasts fantastic reviews on Google.
A premises licence for Giggling Squid was issued by Leeds City Council on Friday 23 February 2024.
The site, located on the corner of Park Row, Bedford Street and South Parade, has permission to open from 10am-11.59pm every day, although these are not the confirmed opening hours.
Images: Giggling Squid
Architecture firm PNW Studios submitted the application on behalf of Giggling Squid. The statement read: “Removal of the modern non structural partitions will reveal much of the currently hidden detail to the interior of this listed building to the public.
“The maintaining of the entrance on the corner of Park Row and Bedford Street and the provision of a generously sized wheelchair accessible w.c. will ensure suitable access into and around the premises.”
The application to transform the Leeds site is currently being considered by the planning officer, with a decision expected over the coming weeks.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Clementine Hall -
8th April 2024 
