Everyone's favourite brunch cafe, House of Koko, has just opened their third site in the city centre.
If you're a brunch lover then you will of course already know about House of Koko.
With two sites in North Leeds, this laid back cafe is well known for its brilliantly unique brunch options and wonderful service.
At the end of last week, House of Koko made its journey to the city centre and its already going down an absolute treat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located on Central Road in the old Mrs Atha's site, the site is decked out in the classic House of Koko style.
Exposed brick, dark furnishings combined with colourful accents and their instantly recognisable sign shining brightly above the doorway.
The menu features House of Koko's signature dishes, from the Lebanese Hash and Muhammara Eggs to the fluffy stacked pancakes with all the toppings imaginable.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And of course there's the crispy loaded hash browns on the menu, because it wouldn't be a House of Koko meal without them now would it.
Not only that, but there's also a selection of classic cocktails on the menu which you can order no matter what time of day.
We'd recommend the Bloody Mary, perfect for getting rid of that foggy head.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
House of Koko founder, Rosita Rogers, said about the opening: “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.”
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.”
Historic family-run Leeds restaurant that’s been open for half a century is forced to close
Clementine Hall
Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.
Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.
Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.
The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.
The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.
"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.
"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.
"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."
The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.
"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."
Clementine Hall -
10th November 2025 
