The dazzling new restaurant on Vicar Lane is now fully booked on a Saturday night until the end of December, and it is easy to see why.
The opening of The Ivy Asia Leeds was highly anticipated, with foodies across the city waiting eagerly for the opening date.
So of course we had to try it out for ourselves and one long, leisurely lunch later, we were certainly not disappointed.
As soon as you walk through the door, you are met with an opulent and elegant atmosphere, your coat is swiftly taken to the cloak room and the warmest of welcomes is given to you as you're promptly shown to your table.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The interior of the restaurant is nothing short of mesmerising, with a luminous green onyx flooring that is dotted with beautiful cherry blossom trees and walls adorned with captivating colourful wallpaper and opulent, bespoke artwork.
Everywhere you look, you're met with a feast for the eyes, so much so that you might start to feel full before you've even glanced at the menu. But fear not, we still managed to indulge in a full three course meal.
To drink we started with the Thai Green Curry cocktail and the Ivy-exclusive Sweet Harmony cocktail. The first was tequila based and was beautifully aromatic with both sweet and savoury undertones, finished with a dash of green tabasco which gave it that invigorating spicy hit.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The latter was fruity and bright yet had a depth to it due to the woody Hibiki Harmony Whiskey. Topped with maraschino cherry liqueur, this one had me going back for more again and again.
Now onto the food. Everything at The Ivy Asia is meant to be shared and enjoyed amongst friends with the dishes arriving as and when they are ready. First to the table was the Popcorn Shrimp lathered in a spicy, creamy sauce and served in a lavish silver goblet. This was a real crowdpleaser, it stuck around throughout the whole meal and saw our chopsticks diving back in at every spare moment.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Next was the Char Siu Pork Belly skewers, and I don't mean to sound cliche but they really were 'melt in the mouth'. Fatty, rich, salty and delicious.
For our mains we opted for the Black Cod with miso which was coated in a gloriously sticky, savoury glaze and was so tender that it flaked away effortlessly at the poke of a chopstick.
The real star of the show though was the Smoking Barbeque Lamb Rump served on a bed of aubergine. This was cooked to absolute perfection, charred on the outside and bursting with flavour, the middle pink and tender with minimal chewing required.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It's important to note that the mains just come as they are, so sides have to be ordered separately. The Kimchi Fried Rice was hot and fresh, with that deliciously funky flavour from the fermented cabbage shining through.
For a bit of greenery we went for the Chilli and Ginger Stir-fried Greens, surprisingly this was one of our favourite dishes. Topped with fine strips of red chilli that set your mouth alight and crispy onions which gave you that satisfying crunch.
By this point we were full to the brim, however when mochi is on the menu you simply can't turn it down. Before you knew it your table was cleared in the blink of an eye and replaced with a gorgeous, fabric lamp which perfectly separated the different stages of your meal.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The service overall was faultless, nothing was too much of an ask and everything was done with precision, accuracy and flair. Special mention to Jacob who made us feel right at home, so much so that by the end of it we felt as though we had made a new friend.
All in all, the experience was a fantastic one and The Ivy Asia makes for a perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion. With three courses and a few cocktails averaging in around the £100 mark per person, it's one to save as a treat, but it is worth a trip to witness the spectacle and utter wonder that lays beyond those doors on Vicar Lane.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at their website.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
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.
Clementine Hall -
27th October 2022 
