New 80 seater South Indian coastal boutique eatery, Ma-Hé, is set to open inside the Merrion Centre this summer.
Ma-Hé will bring a unique style of South Indian coastal cookery to The Merrion Centre later this year.
The new restaurant will showcase five different cuisines from India's coastlines, with a carefully crafted menu containing an array of small plates from five main regions including Goa, Mangalore, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra.
The innovative concept is not only the first of it's kind in Leeds, but in the whole of the UK.
Image: Supplied
And it's not just about the food, guests will enter a dining room designed with the essence of the botanical waters of Coastal India, with natural interiors, fresh plant installations and rattan lights emitting a golden sunset glow for diners to experience the ambiance of warm and joyful Indian nights.
Ma-Hé is the brainchild of a partnership between founders Shyam Sundar Bhaskaran, a fine dining chef with 5-star hotel chains in India, Manoj Varma, who has more than two decades of experience within the hospitality industry, alongside eminent local business partner, Mason Asgha, who had travelled across India for over 20 years.
Image: Supplied
Manoj Varma, founding partner, Ma-Hé, said: “This is a passion project for the whole team at Ma-hē. Shyam is a first-class chef with his knowledge of the Indian peninsula spanning more than 20 years meaning he is a true pioneer in this style of food.
"I consider myself a very passionate foodie with a vast knowledge of Indian peninsula food. I’ve been eating and cooking this style of cuisine for more than 35 years and have visited some of the top restaurants within the region. I am excited to bring the very best selection from all five places onto our menu and relish introducing to the people of Leeds and beyond to this unique culinary experience.”
To find out more about Ma-Hé, take a look at their website.
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to 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.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Clementine Hall -
14th July 2023 
