Meet Fresh will open its third UK site in the Merrion Centre Leeds later this year.
If you've got a sweet tooth, then you will most definitely want to keep reading as we have some great news for you.
Introducing 'Meet Fresh', a renowned eatery serving up delectable, Taiwanese desserts which is soon to open in the heart of Leeds city centre.
From Taro ball puddings, Grass Jelly delights, refreshing shaved ice and a variety of beverages - Meet Fresh offers the unique opportunity for customers to dip their toe in the world of Taiwan's dessert culture.
Image: Supplied
The new space in the Merrion Centre will boast a venue encompassing 2,000 sq ft in a cosy relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat and catching up with friends.
With well-loved locations in Glasgow and London, this will just be their third opening in the UK and have others planned for both Birmingham and Edinburgh in November.
Charles Newman, Associate Director for Town Centre Securities, owners of the Merrion Centre, said "We are delighted to welcome Meet Fresh to the Merrion Centre family. The brand’s unique concept and delectable offerings will undoubtedly further enhance the diverse mix of culinary experiences available across the Arena Quarter.
Image: Supplied
“Dessert shops were relatively unknown on the UK high street up until about a decade ago and since then we have witnessed a boom, as the culture of consuming desserts at any time of day continues to evolve. Sweet tooth or not, the UK is a nation of dessert lovers and this is the perfect destination to indulge.
“Situated in a prime location in the heart of the city, amidst universities and an abundance of accommodation, their fresh, new store is set to be the perfect addition to our dynamic and ever expanding community."
Although there is no official opening date yet for Meet Fresh Leeds, you can check their social media page for announcements.
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
10 of the best places in Leeds to get a pint of Guinness this St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The Adelphi
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’s
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Clementine Hall -
24th October 2023 
