It's the moment we've all been waiting for, The Savvy Baker is opening in the city centre.
Ever since the exciting news was announced that one of Leeds' most iconic indies, The Savvy Baker, was opening a shop in town we've been overcome with excitement.
And we really don't have long to wait now, as The Savvy Baker will be opening at Trinity Leeds this Sunday 7 December.
Located on Albion Street, the new store will be bigger than anything Savannah and the team have done before.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The new space will include an on-site cookie bakery, where visitors can watch cookies being freshly baked throughout the day, as well as a dedicated matcha bar showcasing all of their wonderful seasonal matcha creations.
The menu will of course include The Savvy Baker’s full line-up of signature brownies, blondies, and seasonal specials – including exclusive products – and a full hot drink offering featuring coffee from North Star.
There'll be a cosy seating area for customers to enjoy their bakes on site, but you can also take them home in The Savvy Baker's iconic brown and orange boxes.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Founder Savannah Roqaa said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be finally opening our doors at Trinity Leeds this Sunday. This city has supported us from day one and we can’t wait to bring our brownies to the heart of Leeds. The new store represents how far the brand has come – and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “The Savvy Baker is a brilliant example of the talent and creativity coming out of Leeds, and we’re delighted to welcome the brand into the Trinity Leeds family.
"We’re proud to support an independent business that has grown with such energy and passion, and we know our visitors will be just as excited as we are to see The Savvy Baker finally open its doors.”
Opening from 9am this Sunday, get yourself down there quick as the first 100 customers will get a free brownie. What a winner.
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.”
Clementine Hall -
4th December 2025 
