A popular Dubai dining brand is coming to the UK for the first time with a flagship restaurant in Leeds.
Introducing India Bistro, a UAE and India-based restaurant group that is set to open a flagship store in Chapel Allerton this month.
Guests can expect a real party atmosphere, complete with authentic Indian dishes and bold cocktails.
India Bistro will offer a dining experience that reflects the warmth and richness of Indian cuisine and culture, with a menu inspired from from the bustling lanes of Delhi and Punjab to the royal kitchen of Awadh.
Image: Supplied
With four established restaurants - two in Dubai and two in India - India Bistro has earned a cult following and esteemed reputation for exceptional culinary craftsmanship and heartfelt hospitality.
Leeds diners will enjoy a specially curated all day menu featuring iconic Indian dishes and local favourites in a modern, elegant setting.
Navin Chauhan, President of Restaurants at Foodlink said: “India Bistro represents the next chapter of modern Indian cuisine, inspired by India’s regional heritage, elevated with bold ideas, and brought together through a spirit of hospitality that feels both timeless and fresh.”
Images: Supplied
AVT Capital co-founder, Shubhangi Thaker, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce India Bistro to the UK and begin this India Bistro journey in Leeds, a city that truly appreciates great food and diverse dining experiences.
"Our goal is to bring something fresh to the scene: authentic Indian flavours presented with a modern twist, in a space that’s welcoming, stylish, and full of energy.
“Whether it’s a celebratory dinner, a date night over chaat and chai, or cocktails at the bar with crisp papads and house-infused vermouth, we want India Bistro to be the kind of place guests find themselves coming back to again and again drawn by the familiarity, the flavour, and the feeling of something special.
"We are hugely excited to share it with the people of Leeds and can’t wait to open in time for the Christmas party season”
Building of the Leeds restaurant is underway and India Bistro is set to open its doors ahead of the festive season.
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
The UK’s leading K-pop retailer is opening its first Yorkshire store in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers.
K-pop fans, you're going to love this one.
Soft launching on Friday 22 May, K-pop Korner Leeds will open initially as a pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the north of England.
Recognised as the UK’s leading dedicated K-pop retailer, K-pop Korner stocks official K-pop albums, signed albums, light sticks and rare collectibles imported directly from Korea.
Not only that, but the brand has developed a strong national following through fan events, trading days, concerts and exclusive product launches.
The Leeds opening follows the success of K-pop Korner’s existing stores in London Waterloo, London Euston and Nottingham, with growing demand from fans across Yorkshire and the north driving the expansion.
Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Community has always been at the heart of what we do and we’re looking forward to building a welcoming environment where fans can meet, discover new merchandise, celebrate their favourite artists and enjoy special events together.
“Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step. The Merrion Centre stood out because of its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic city-centre location and strong connection to entertainment and youth culture.
“We want the opening to feel like more than just a store launch. It’s about celebrating K-pop fandom and creating memorable experiences for the local community. We’re especially excited to see fans come together for our opening events and experience the energy and excitement that makes K-pop culture so special.”
Clementine Hall -
19th November 2025 
