With so many new openings popping up in Leeds, we're losing count of where to visit next.
It really does feel as if Leeds has hit its post-pandemic stride. New venues are opening by the week, each bringing innovative ideas; expansion projects and never-seen-before events to the city centre and beyond- and we love that we're able to share each new opening with you.
The faces behind the glamorous parties and all of the running around that’s involved in a new launch is the team at Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon. Whilst the team don't handle every single opening in the city, they're responsible for the majority of big events and are locally known as the 'go to' for all things PR social events.
We sat down with owner Jordan Odu and PR and Events Assistant, Lydia Kirton to find out where we should visit this spring.
House of Koko, Oakwood
Opened March 2021.
Image: House of Koko
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton and now Oakwood locals can understand the hype as the company opened its second site in the leafy suburb last month.
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews. By April, House of Koko intends to channel a little of Owner Rosita’s other venue, too – Distrikt bar in the city centre. They will open in the evenings, offering a supper menu of small plates alongside wine and cocktails – and perhaps even DJs.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “House of Koko has definitely proven to be one of Chapel Allerton’s favourite brunch spots, so it is very exciting that they are opening a second branch in Oakwood.
"House of Koko is renowned for its healthy and indulgent brunch dishes, alongside plenty of delicious vegan options! Our favourites have got to be the Turkish eggs and the Maple syrup smothered banana and pecan pancakes. If you are ever in the area – House of Koko is one of our favourite brunch spots!”
Located in the leafy suburbs of Roundhay, The Savvy Baker has opened its first cafe on Lidgett Lane. The new cafe, open from 8.30am Thursday 31 March, will be stocking all of Leeds’ favourite baked goods, expect all their usual brownies, brookies, cookies, flapjacks, cakes, tarts, sticky stuff and serving up Leeds’ famous North Star coffee.
The cafe is beautifully decorated with photographs of The Savvy Baker treats: think close up brownie shots oozing with caramel framed on coffee-coloured walls; cozy seating and intimate lighting creating a warming atmosphere from the moment you step inside the cafe.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “We have absolutely loved working with Savannah throughout all of her major milestones since starting The Savvy Baker back during the first lockdown in 2020…
"Nothing beats Savvy Baker Brownies alongside delicious North Star Coffee. The recently launched brownie tubs and the snickers brookies are our favourites!”
Few have managed to achieve the right balance of meat and carbs, but since MEAT:STACK launched back in 2016, they have quickly become a cult favourite for American-style burgers and shakes.
The success of their burgers followed them onto the main streets and now they’re bringing their attention to detail, authentic preparation methods and moreish flavour combo to Leeds. With ten different burger combos to choose from, including a pork and beef patty breakfast burger, vegan fried ‘chicken’ burger and a regularly changing monthly special, we have to say the menu really does look immense. It’s a cheat day treat if ever we saw one.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “Meat:Stack is definitely the new American Cheeseburger joint that the city needed… The independent burger restaurant will be arriving from Newcastle in May… bringing Leeds classic American cheeseburgers, the ultimate American breakfast and a range of fries…
"Our favourite is definitely the parmesan truffle fries. If you are in Leeds over summer you should definitely visit Meat:Stack!”
To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the restaurant is throwing it back to 2002 and bringing back their original menu to celebrate.
Back in 2002, there weren't many Thai restaurants around but Ban Kaewkraikhot opened her very first Sukhothai restaurant (named after the small-town north of Bangkok where she was raised) in Chapel Allerton in April 2002, bringing with her a lifetime passion for Thai cuisine which began at an early age with her mother’s cooking in rural Thailand.
Diners will be able to pair these nostalgic dishes with the current specials on the modern day menu for a true time-travelling experience through the senses.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon recommends: “Sukhothai is one of Leeds most iconic Thai Restaurants, I remember clearly when it first opened in Chappel Allerton back in 2002 – since then it has grown to be one of Yorkshire’s most respected Thai Restaurants and we are delighted to be working alongside them to celebrate their 20th Birthday.
"Sukhothai are bringing back lots of their most loved dishes to celebrate this huge milestone, one of my personal favourites is the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon - succulent lamb stir-fried green curry, served on a sizzling hot plate… Delicious!”
Coming soon...
We’re expecting some huge new openings over the coming months and we can't wait to hear more from Jordan, Lydia and the rest of the PGHL team will be able to tell us all about them soon.
As one of the top ten places to live, as voted for by The Sunday Times, Chapel Allerton is a hive of community-spirit withlots to explore.
Back in 2021, The Sunday Times judges said that Chapel Allerton is: “a well supported independent high street – with a fishmonger, bookshop, cheese shop and much more – and an inspiring and imaginative community group, CA Spaces, make this urban village our favourite corner of Leeds.”
They’re not wrong. One of our favourite points about Chapel Allerton is its strong focus on supporting local businesses- there aren’t many places in Leeds, or indeed the UK, that you can visit a separate butchers, greengrocers, cheese mongers, wine store and more to complete your food shop with all locally grown and sold produce.
That’s not all that Chapel Allerton has to offer: there’s a host of indie cafes, plenty of green space and even a posh Aldi (whatever that means) that keeps this a family favourite place to visit.
Keep reading to find out what The Hoot recommends for a weekend in the leafy suburb…
House of Koko
62 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4LA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews.
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton. The menu here comprises beautifully presented dishes like pancakes drenched in syrup and you can't leave without trying their famous hash browns...if you know, you know.
George and Joseph, an incredible Cheesemongers on Chapel Allerton high street, is the place to go for everything squeaky and delicious.
You can grab everything from truffle brie to charcuterie essentials like cooked meats, fresh sourdough and local low-batch bottles of booze to accompany your dishes. This truly is the place to shop local and experience some brand new tastes you’d never pick up in the supermarket.
Originally a bike clothing brand, Paria has grown from an online side hustle to a full time business online and in Chapel Allerton. There’s coffee from local roasters Hard Lines and sweet treats from Laynes Bakery to choose from, all whilst you browse the cool collabs on the wall.
Name a better duo than a nice cold pint and a fluffy bao bun...we'll wait. Because that's exactly what you'll find at Brew + Bao, Chapel Allerton's newest watering hole offering banging drinks alongside asian street food. A real match made in heaven.
Yoga Kula
114 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4NY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to feel zen? Then look no further than Yoga Kula, Chapel Allerton's newest Yoga studio helping you to feel your absolute best.
The space is absolutely. beautiful and they offer classes for all abilities with lovely staff by your side every step of the way.
The Woods might be in the running for our favourite beer garden in Leeds, and since coming under new ownership by the legends at Roland's last year it's only gotten better and better.
It's the perfect spot for a sunny pint with mates whilst tucking into a couple of pizzas, a great oasis outside of the city centre that still has a lively feel about it.
Bloc Studios
31 Well Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven't heard, Reformer Pilates is all the rage at the moment. And luckily for us, there's a fantastic little studio in Chapel Allerton where you can do it.
Bloc Studios is a gorgeous boutique space offering the very best reformer pilates classes. Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a class for you at Bloc to get your workout in.
Bad Bunny: What you need to know for Super Bowl halftime show
Thomas Melia
Global superstar Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show and we're giving you the rundown about this reigning reggaeton artist.
Born in Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio, now more widely recognised by artist moniker Bad Bunny, is a Spanish-speaking act who has transported modern-day reggaeton from Latin America to all new heights.
The Puerto Rican powerhouse has only ever visited the UK once, performing at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, seven years ago back in 2018, as part of his first ever world tour titled La Nueva Religión.
Since then, El Benito has dropped seven full-length studio albums and nine musical projects overall, which have all helped establish him as a major force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Alongside his musical career, Bad Bunny has seen himself at the forefront of various pop culture moments thanks to his innovative fashion sense and notable charm.
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show on 8 February / Credit: Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)
What iconic moments is Bad Bunny known for?
With his first album X 100Pre (Forever) dropping back in 2018, Bad Bunny has spent almost a hefty eight years in the limelight, so it will come as no surprise that there's plenty of iconic moments you might remember.
Bad Bunny as a Drag Queen - To coincide with the release of his single 'Yo Perreo Sola' (I Twerk Alone), Benito stepped into unchartered territory, debuting three different Drag personas to combat toxic masculinity in the reggaeton music scene.
WWE - Benito is a huge fan of wrestling. He first appeared for a performance at the Royal Rumble in 2021, before returning later that year and teaming up with Damian Priest to take down The Miz and John Morrison.
VMA Performance - The Latin multi-hyphenate made headlines in 2022 after kissing a male dancer on-stage. Both fans and media outlets stated the performance harked back to Madonna's similar showcase two decades prior - Watch Bad Bunny's kiss HERE (skip to 2:50).
Met Gala - Well-recognised for its glamourous and glitzy outfits, the Met Gala brings together A-Listers for a showcase of all things fashion. Bad Bunny was styled by fashion house Jacquemus and wore a backless suit with a 26 foot train.
The Super Bowl is a huge accomplishment for all artists, now Bad Bunny joins the headlining roster / Credit: Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
SNL - The LATAM star has appeared on American comedy sketch-show SNL numerous times, both as an artist and as a part-time comedian. In 2023, Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal became an overprotective aunty and mum duo and had crowds laughing uncontrollably.
Carpool Karaoke - James Corden's nighttime show segment was welcomed into the reggaeton world courtesy of Bad Bunny. However, it's his cover of 'Break Free' by Ariana Grande where he discusses it's the first English-spoken song he ever learnt that had people falling in love with him.
Coachella - This desert-based music festival is known for its large-scale productions and in the early summer of 2023, Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-singing artist to headline this mega music celebration.
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí - Translating to 'I don't want to leave here', this was the title of his Puerto Rico residency. As well as creating lifelong memories for fans, this 31 date experience also boosted the economy of his home country.
What songs will Bad Bunny perform at his Super Bowl halftime show?
With 28 songs over one billion streams, Bad Bunny is going to have a tricky time deciphering which of his hits to include in his upcoming halftime show performance.
His most recognisable album is the beach-inspired Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You) which features six tracks with over one billion streams, so it's safe to say this LP is guaranteed some love.
The latest addition to El Benito's discography DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should've Taken More Photos) might also steal the spotlight due to its focus on exploring traditional Puerto Rican sounds.
And, after reconciling late last year, Bad Bunny might take his friendship with J Balvin to Super Bowl status, performing songs from their collaborative album OASIS as well as their Cardi B link-up 'I Like It'.
The Hoot's Bad Bunny Super Bowl setlist predicition:
NUEVAYoL
Tití Me Preguntó/ Me Porto Bonito/ Moscow Mule (Medley)
Dákiti
I Like It (With Cardi B and J Balvin)
La Canción (With J Balvin)
Callaíta (With Tainy)
Un x100to (With Grupo Frontera)
Baile Inolvidable
Super Bowl halftime show performances normally contain around 10 songs and the setlist is very tight-lipped, however, it's always fun to throw out a predicition or two before the event on Sunday 8 February.
Which special guests will join Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show line-up?
Bad Bunny has worked with a multitude of artists from reggaeton sidekicks to pop supremes like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa and Drake.
Although it's highly unlikely these big names will all be free at the same time, when it comes to the Super Bowl anything is possible.
The 'Tití Me Preguntó' songwriter is heading to the UK for the second time ever in his career, for his Debí Tirar Más FotosWorld Tour and he's chosen Tottenham Hotspur as the location for this huge cultural moment.
If you're wondering where to get tickets, you have two chances to watch this superstar in his element as he's performing on June 27 - Tickets HERE and June 28 - Tickets HERE.
Hopefully now you've discovered more about who this Latin American artist is so you're not left clueless when the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots take a quick 15 minutebreak mid-game.
Featured Images - Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)/ Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
