The home of Louisiana fried chicken is opening its first site in Leeds city centre later this year.
Good news foodies, we now don't have to travel far to get our fried chicken fix as Popeyes is opening right here in the city centre.
Following hugely successful openings in Gildersome and Wakefield, the fast food restaurant famous for their shatter crunch chicken is coming to Commercial Street.
The new store will create over 80 new jobs for the local community.
The new restaurant will be the brand’s 7th location in Yorkshire and forms part of its huge plans to almost double its UK footprint, with the opening of a further 45+ new restaurants by the end of 2025.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Guests will be able to dine in or takeaway from the new restaurant, and enjoy a taste of the full Popeyes menu, including the iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, tenders, and signature chicken wraps.
Ahead of the opening day, hungry fans can enter for the chance of winning one of its world-famous Chicken Sandwiches by signing up via the Popeyes UK website.Â
Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: "2025 is set to be another incredibly exciting year for Popeyes, including the launch of a flagship store in Leeds city centre later this year.
"Our mission has always been to bring our New Orleans spirit to new locations across the UK, and we look forward to sharing more details of this special opening soon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“Our ambitious roll-out strategy - which will see us open, on average, close to one new site per week in the coming 12 months - will mean that we can bring joy to even more customers across the country, from breakfast through to late night.
"At the same time, we are looking forward to welcoming around 2,500 new team members in the year ahead to support our expansion plans, all the while continuing our clear focus on exciting menu and technology innovation."
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
27th January 2025 
