The highly anticipated new all-day drink and dining venue is very close to opening, and now we're getting a sneak peek of what to expect.
The masterminds behind one of Leeds' most beloved pubs, Whitelock's Ale House, are bringing to the city White Cloth Hall, a brand new food and drink hall.
Based at White Cloth Hall (obviously), the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city’s newest dining hot spots, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
They've been chipping away behind the scenes for almost a year now, and now it's starting to get very real as the first three resident kitchens have been announced.
Images: Supplied
First up, the legends at Pizza Loco are bringing a new venture - Morty's Focacceria, a new exclusive pizza and slice bar that we can't wait to get our chops around.
Next up, Headingley gem Kuala Lumpar Cafe will be bringing their bold Malaysian flavours to the city centre. Expect colourful and flavourful Nasi Lemak, Rendang curries, Roti Canai and so much more.
Last but no means least, Whitelock's will be bringing their new venture Lupton's Chop House to the hall.
Images: Supplied
Inspired by the Victorian chop houses of all, this new grill and oyster bar we will be celebrating provenance and quality with interesting cuts of meat and the very freshest seafood.
The name is a nod to another Victorian classic - the legendary John Lupton Whitelock was the first Licensee of Whitelock’s in the late 1800s, and the man who gave Whitelock’s its current name, and so it really is the perfect fit.
Images: Supplied
Our bellies are already rumbling, and until they open their doors we'll be waiting on tenterhooks for any further announcements.
To keep an eye out for yourself, take a look at White Cloth Hall's instagram page.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
15th August 2024 
