🗞️ Leeds in Bloom: New Openings Part 6

Leeds In Bloom returns this December to give you a festive dose of the brand new businesses launching across our glorious city. Whether you’re after indulgent desserts, mouth watering meals, or just a browse through something new, Leeds has you covered. Here are some of the top openings we’ve spotted recently…

Shopping

Trad Collective | Vicar Lane 

Trad Collective are moving their Headingley store over to the centre of Leeds, opening up shop on Vicar Lane. The sustainable fashion and lifestyle retailer are renowned for their upcycled outfits, reworking old clothes into stylish new garms and selling preloaded clothing. The environmentally focused brand also specialise in tailoring, mendings and alterations, ensuring no item of clothing goes to waste.

Lounge Underwear | Trinity Centre

On 16th November, Lounge Underwear opened its sparkling new doors in the Trinity Centre, welcoming shoppers in the central retail hub to browse their vast range of women’s clothing. Welcoming all women in to shop their range, you can expect to find comfort made sexy with every piece. The brand new store will feature all of Lounge’s stunning collections, including their gym clothes, swimwear, lingerie and sleepwear.

Victoria Gate | Eastgate

Victoria is a continually evolving myriad of shops, welcoming the finest vendors to the heart of Leeds. With such a huge offering, there’s also a huge opportunity for new talent to come in and wow shoppers. Victoria is opening up 7 brand new shops within its centre, ranging from fashion to dining, homewear to lingerie. 

To give you a flavour of some of the brand new stores opening their doors in Eastgate, you can expect to find home decor brand Cox & Cox, famed salon Allerton’s and lingerie store Pour Moi. Pop ups will also be appearing for the Christmas season, including alcohol experts Wolfe Bros of Yorkshire, technology charity and pioneers Raspberry Pi, and rum creators Libations.

Food

Chunk Cookies | Burley  

Chunk Cookies specialise in making New York City style cookies filled with plant based goodness. With oozing fillings and delicious toppings, the bakery has indulgent cookie specials such as chocolate fudge brownie, S’mores, and their brand new chocolate peanut butter. Not only this, but you can expect to find coffees, pastries, fresh breads and juices, all on the doorstep in Leeds. The new cookie haven will open on Burley Road.

Cinnabon | Commercial Street

The sweet toothed of you can rejoice as Cinnabon opens up its third store in Leeds, opening up shop at the Plantation Services in Gildersome. Perched not far from the Trinity Centre, this bakery is famed for its cinnamon rolls and hot coffee. Arriving in the UK all the way from the US back in 2020, and has quickly grown into a beloved, and tasty, favourite for cinnamon lovers. 

Cheesy Living Co. | Oakwood

Leeds Corn Exchange is home to the mouth watering Cheesy Living Co, the deli specialising in all things cheese. From charcuterie boards to loaded spuds, you can tuck into all of your favourites, with a broad selection of options available. Whether you’re after a melting burrata or a truffled gouda, the Cheesy Living Co is the place for you, and you can now find them at their brand new restaurant in Oakwood. Taking over the Pantry Site on Roundhay Road, the brand new store will be a multi-storey haven for cheese lovers across the city.

Owt Restaurant | Woodhouse

The ever growing, and ever popular, ‘Owt’ restaurant is expanding further, set to open up a brand new site on Burley Road. Closing their famed venue in the Corn Exchange back in October, the owners are seeking a new adventure in the city. With extensive lunch and evening menus, serving everything from french toast to tandoor lamb, the restaurant has become exceptionally popular since its establishment in 2018. The Woodhouse site has officially opened its doors and can be enjoyed in Woodhouse on Wednesday-Sunday every week. 

Meet Fresh | The Merrion Centre 

The Merrion Centre is soon set to open its doors to Meet Fresh, an eatery designed to be a gateway to traditional Taiwanese desserts. The London chain has a range of delectable sweet treats on offer, including grass jelly, taro ball desserts and shaved ice. They also have an offering of refreshing drinks, such as traditional Taiwanese fruit teas and boba infused drinks. Offering a new and diverse dessert offering, Meet Fresh will be an exciting addition to the Merrion Centre’s offering. 

HAMA | Oakwood

The Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant Yokohama closed the doors to its Roundhay venue earlier in 2023, disheartening many who adored the five star rated restaurant. However, the family-run restaurant has returned bigger and better than ever, opening the brand new ‘HAMA’ in Oakwood. Taking over from the former steakhouse ‘Chophaus’, the restaurant will serve Korean dishes based similarly to those in their previous eatery. The stunning new venue is set to wow fans of the previous Yokohama restaurant, and attract a new range of customers along the way.

Cats Pyjamas | Farsley 

Another Leeds classic expanding their influence across Leeds is the Cats Pyjamas, the authentic Indian restaurant with a delicious street food twist. Opening up their new venue on Town Street in Farsley, the Cats Pyjamas will be serving up everybody’s favourite dishes from their famed Headingley and Chapel Allerton. Renowned for their perfectly made curries and affordable prices, The Cats Pyjamas will be inviting those from Farsley and beyond to get a true taste of Indian cuisine, including their Railway Potato Curry, Matar Paneer and Bombay Keema Curry. 

Ossett Brewery x BaoBros23 | Granary Wharf

The award winning Ossett Brewery is partnering with one of Leeds’ favourite Asian eateries – BaoBros23. The collaboration will see the two vendors join forces at a new location at Archie’s Bar & Kitchen, housed in Granary Wharf. Combining delicious bao buns with thirst-quenching pints, the new partnership is set to be a favourite amongst food and drink lovers across Leeds.

Olive Tree Brasserie | South Parade 

In business land, the food scene is hotting up with this new addition. The renowned Greek restaurant is all set to join a bustling hospitality community around the area with Six by Nico, Iberica, Tattu and more as neighbours 

But what is Olive Tree Brasserie? Pick your menu, A La Carte or Bottomless brunch and all done with a Greek twist. Expect some classic dishes (Gyros, Lamb Kleftiko, Moussaka) mixed with plenty of other Mediterranean dishes. Is it now finally the time to Meze? 

Galleria | Armley Road

We have mentioned Galleria before but now it’s officially open! Having been saying they were opening in Autumn 2023, it all went quiet but in the last two weeks, they revealed opening details and just sneaking in time before it officially becomes Winter.

Having done pop-ups at sister venue, Ox Club over the summer, this place intrigues us with a promise of opening up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Andy Castle is a top Head Chef and we can expect exquisite flavours to everyday foods as well as natural wine from Wayward, coffee from local heroes North Star and so much more.

Venue | Horsforth 

Horsforth is home to the brand new bar ‘Venue’, set to be a hot new locale abundant in fine beers, cocktails and live entertainment. The new drinking spot is a collaboration between the owners of the Horsforth Brewery, and the experts behind The Tavern and Eden Bar and Kitchen. Taking over the former Kuala Lumpur on Town Street, the brand new bar is set to merge tasty craft beers with delicious food, brought to the table by street food vendors Slap & Pickle. From the menu, you can choose from loaded fries, juicy burgers and saucy wings, all of which can be enjoyed by Venue’s open fire, alongside some live entertainment. This will truly be a perfect evening in Horsforth.

Social

Chance and Counters | Merrion Street 

This December, Leeds is set to welcome its first Chance & Counters, a group of board game bars and cafes originating from Bristol. The brand new venue will be opening on Merrion Street, in the previously occupied Yard & Coop, and offer their library of over 500 board games to diners, drinkers or sole game enthusiasts. Cluedo and monopoly aside, guests can also enjoy a selection of all-day food and drink, including a daytime selection of coffee and tea, milkshakes, smoothies and light lunches. Those more inclined to put their game face on later in the day can also pop by in the evening to enjoy a round of mouse trap alongside an array of craft beers, cocktails, wines, burgers, tacos and fries. 

Carousel | Albion Street 

Coming soon to Leeds City Centre is Carousel, a fun and fresh take on nightlife. Starting in Lincoln and expanding across the country, Carousel combines cocktails and arcade games for everybody to enjoy. Serving delicious street food alongside a range of alcoholic beverages, you can find yourself indulging whilst playing at the same time. With an offering of games, including air hockey, basketball, racing and shuffleboard, this is the perfect spot to bring your friends in the heart of the city. 

The Black Bull | Horsforth 

If you thought Horsforth Brewery was stopping at opening just one venue – think again. The famed Leeds brewery is continuing to extend its influence across Leeds, and is taking over the historic Black Bull pub. As one of the oldest pubs in Horsforth, the Black Bull has the true charm and essence we look for in a boozer, and its new owners are determined to showcase that. Opening under the Horsforth Brewery’s wing in November, the Black Bull is set to welcome locals and newcomers alike to enjoy its selection of tipples and events.