Specialising in Indian street food and craft beer, Bundobust is preparing to expand further into Yorkshire.
Since Bundobust opened its first restaurants in Leeds back in 2014, the locally-renowned India street food and craft beer restaurant has slowly taken over the north, one bhaji box at a time.
Now, Bundobust is opening a second Yorkshire restaurant in the heart of York.
The former Argos building on Piccadilly in York's city centre is their chosen base and although the owner's haven't officially announced their expansion online, an application for a new venue has been filed with the intention of opening as early as April 2022.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On the menu, we're expecting all of our favourite dishes and far more. Inspired by its Gujarati roots, the Bundobust offering has always been 100% vegetarian, with around two thirds of the menu completely plant-based, the new York location is set to be no different,
Earlier this year, the restaurant’s first venture into meat substitutes saw a successful collaboration with Meatless Farm. Using plant-based chicken and meatless mince allowing the Bundo team to explore more traditionally meat-focused Indian dishes, the 'Bundo Does Meat Combo' was well-loved by Leeds, so much so that the company extended the collaboration for an additional month.
The venue is known for its stand-out meals, but their craft beer is also a huge selling point on the Indian-inspired menu.
At the new York restaurant, we're expecting that restaurant-goers will have exclusive access to Bundobust Brewery beer, alongside other modern beer selections.
Brewed inside their personal brewery in Manchester, York daytrippers and locals will be able to tuck into pints or taster flight boards made from recycled plastic bottles.
Image: Bundobust
Vegetarians and vegans across Yorkshire are likely to have been travelling all the way to our city for a sample, but the new York opening will allow the masses to review the critically acclaimed independent enterprise for themselves.
The application for 11-13 Piccadilly, the former Argos building, seeks permission to serve late night food until midnight, with requested opening times of 9am - 12.30am.
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.
Sophie Smith -
28th March 2022 
