When the wonderful Mrs Atha's closed back in April, we were left utterly heartbroken along with every other coffee-drinking human in Leeds.
It was one of our favourite spots in the city to enjoy a proper cup of coffee and dig into some fantastic, home cooked food.
The ongoing building works on Central Road alongside the constant cost of living crisis struggles meant that Mrs Atha's sadly had to close its doors.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been left empty since then, but it won't be for long as brunch royalty House of Koko has announced it has taken the spot.
With locations in Oakwood and Chapel Allerton, House of Koko is known for their classic brunch dishes with a Middle Eastern twist.
And their hash browns are the best you'll find in the city and probably the world. End of.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
House of Koko founder, Rosita Rogers, said: “House of Koko has always been about more than great coffee; it’s about connection, culture, and creating spaces with heart. With the city centre opening, we wanted to bring that same sense of community to a bigger stage and create a place that feels elevated but still warm, soulful and unmistakably Koko.
“We’ve grown from being a small neighbourhood café to something that really represents the independent spirit of Leeds, and this move into the city centre marks a reflection of how far we’ve come. House of Koko - City is about celebrating that journey and bringing our roots with us while looking to the future.”
The new site will seat 28 people and is expected to open its doors this month.
Good luck Rosita and the team, we can't wait to be the first in line.
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 November 2025 
