Well hello there The Victoria, it's great to have you back.
If you're a Leeds local with a love for good pubs, then you're probably familiar with The Victoria on Great George Street.
Built way back in 1865, this historic pub served punters for decades and became famous for its cosy feel, bustling dining room and live Jazz Sundays.
Having been closed for a few years, it is now officially back and it's all thanks to two Leeds powerhouses joining forces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock's Ale House and Kirkstall Brewery have been restoring The Victoria for around 18 months, and their hard work has well and truly paid off.
From the moment you step through the door you're whisked to times gone by.
The attention to detail is nothing short of extraordinary, we reckon you could spend hours here nestled in a booth looking at all the little touches that make it so special - and we highly suggest you do.
From the high ceilings and inviting arches to the dark wood with ornate detailing, The Victoria simply oozes charm and is the perfect spot for a cosy festive tipple.
So it's good timing that they've just reopened and will be celebrating with live Christmas music on the weekends and proper hearty pub grub.
Of course there's a banging drink lineup, with all the Kirkstall ale you could ask for as well as a well curated wine list and seasonal cocktails.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you've missed The Vic then you're not going to be disappointed, its special feeling has remained intact and treated with the utmost care.
So pop along to The Victoria and welcome her back to the city, we know you're going to love it.
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 -
5th December 2025 
