Leeds in Bloom: New Openings Part 12

In the blink of an eye, another wave of fresh flavours, stylish spots and city-defining changes has bloomed across the city. Whether you fancy brunching in Farsley, browsing Briggate on your lunch break, or grabbing a 4 am cookie fix on Merrion Street, there’s a new game-changing arrival for you. Oh, and did we mention Uniqlo is on its way to Leeds?

Food and drink in the city…

Brewery Wharf Tavern By the Water – Brewery Place

Brewery Wharf Tavern, by the team behind Whitelocks Ale House, White Cloth Hall and Meanwood Tavern, is your new local pub by the water! The tavern opened just in time for Leeds’ Waterfront Festival and serves good vibes all round. The building, formerly home to Oracle and Home, was once Tetley’s loading dock. And, thanks to the arrival of Brewery Wharf Tavern, it’s now a glorious space for a beer garden. Expect great beer, BBQs (plus guest appearances from White Cloth Hall resident kitchens) and live acoustic sets. 

Cinnamon Kitchen – City Square

Cinnamon Kitchen, executive chef Vivek Singh’s first Northern venue, offers a first-class dining experience inspired by the grand waiting rooms of 19th-century Indian railway stations. Singh’s signature dishes showcase the best regional Indian cuisine while celebrating seasonal British produce. All aboard? It’s open now at the Queens Hotel. WATCH OUR INTERVIEW

Emba – Mustard Approach, Holbeck

From The Owl’s ashes rises Emba: same river setting, fresh culinary focus. The new gastrobar by Chef Elizabeth Cottam serves up big flavours, plenty of fat, fire, and comforting familiarity, accompanied by a constantly updated beer and wine selection. She describes it as ‘the food she loves to eat’, and it’s a stunning menu. Booking is recommended, but it is possible to secure a walk-in spot at the counter, inside tables, or on the outdoor terrace.

Fuj Hiro – Merrion Centre

Great news. Fuji Hiro, the city’s original Japanese restaurant, is back! Under new management, with Leeds-born entrepreneur James Douglas at the helm and the same team of chefs, Leeds’ beloved institution has a fresh new look, but is firmly refocused on the basics that made it so popular for the last (almost) 30 years: ramen, noodles, katsu and gyoza. James says he’s excited to “honour Fuji Hiro’s legacy, welcoming back loyal fans and introducing newcomers to the incredible tastes and aromas of authentic Japanese cuisine”.

Insomnia Cookies – Merrion Street

If you’re craving an early hours sweet treat and a kebab’s not going to cut it, iconic American cookie chain Insomnia Cookies on Merrion Street is now open until 5 am. Yes, you heard that right, 5 am. Get your sticky mitts on gooey delights like their deluxe cookies, where three ice cream scoops are wedged between two giant cookies. These are cookies done right.

Little Lotus – Merrion Way

Made fresh daily is how Little Lotus rolls. Known for its high-quality, affordable Japanese cuisine, it serves a diverse range of dishes, including sushi rolls, delicate sashimi, comforting noodle pots, and hearty rice bowls. Little Lotus embraces a ‘zero food waste’ policy – visit towards the end of the day for buy-one-get-one-free and ‘half-price deals. The team also caters for corporate gatherings and family celebrations.

Mommy Mookrata – Arena Quarter, Merrion Way 

Taking over from Bulgogi Grill, Mommy Mookrata keeps bulgogi-style grilling at the heart of its sizzling Korean BBQ experience. Perfect for sharing, it’s an interactive, cook-your-own dining experience that’s fun for the whole family, groups of friends or even date night.

Rinse Natural Wine – Call Lane

Fancy a sophisticated sip? Rinse Natural Wine, by Bottle Chop, is a stylish new addition to Leeds’ vibrant wine scene. Sit in the window and catch some rays while enjoying a Pet Nat or two over nibbles. You can’t book, so seats are not guaranteed, but Rinse also does bottles to take away. So, it’s a win-win. 

The Habitum – Hunslet Road

A new caffeinated concept set to stir things up is The Habitum, located on Hunslet Road, near The Tetley. Habitum aims to shake up your daily coffee routine, offering boutique microstores that provide high-quality coffee and convenience. Think a barista-assisted, self-checkout concept for fast, competitive service and wellness-boosting ingredients like grass-fed bovine collagen, electrolytes and other lifestyle supplements.

Waki Maki – Wellington Place

Sushi rolls into Wellington Place with Waki Maki, a Japanese fusion street food outlet serving jumbo sushi rolls, poke bowls, katsu curries, ramen and more. Already a popular concept at Leeds University Student Union, Waki Maki’s fresh, made-to-order food is ideal for lunchtime or after-work cravings. But if a working lunch is on the cards. Don’t worry. Waki Maki offers catering for business events and meetings.

Food and drink further afield…

Homeboy Pizza – Street Lane, Roundhay

Homeboy Pizza, the no-nonsense, flavour-packed pizza spot, brings big NYC energy to Roundhay with serious slices and late-night charm. Following the success of founder and owner Harry Pykett’s first restaurant on Burley Road (at the old Harpo’s Pizza site), the new site serves all the classics, from the Scottie Pipperoni to Toni Starch. Fancy a deep-dish Detroit? Don’t forget you’ll need to preorder.

The Clock Inn – Roundhay Road, Oakwood

SALT Oakwood has reopened as The Clock Inn following a refurbishment inspired by the local landmark, the Oakwood Clock. There’s also an updated menu, with BaoBros23 taking over from Big Buns. The flavours are off the scale, with wings on the menu alongside tasty, tasty bao. Perfect washed down with an Ossett Brewery beverage, if you ask us.

Wingstop – The Springs

Wingstop, purveyor of mouthwatering wings, tenders, burgers and fries, soars to a new Leeds location at The Springs in the former Burger Priest site. It’s the fourth location for the iconic wing restaurant, and the perfect place to try Wingstop’s brand-new hot honey glaze. The site is one of 20 new locations set to open by the end of 2025; other Leeds sites are the White Rose Centre, Boar Lane, and Cardigan Fields.

Granny G’s – Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Amity Brew Co has launched a newly refurbished all-day food and drink taproom in partnership with Little Bao Boy. Expect American diner classics, stacked subs, sauce, and a whole lotta soul from Granny G’s, which Amity describes as a ‘glorious car crash of Yorkshire produce and bald eagle energy’. 

Finer Pleasures – Crossgates

Describing itself as ‘a pie shop, of sorts’, ’Finer Pleasures specialises in handmade pies, terrines, pâté en croûte, oithivier and other pie-raphernalia. Generally speaking, if something can be encased in pastry, piemaker Josh Whitehead will probably do so. Find Finer Pleasures ‘a takeaway of sorts’ at Crossgates Family Butchers every Wednesday from 3 pm til 8 pm. Trust us, it’s not your average pie shop.

Entertainment 

Rileys Pool Hall – Albion Street

Rileys, a popular chain of sports bars known for pool, snooker and darts, brings a fresh spin on the classic British pool hall to Albion Street.  The perfect venue for parties and after-work drinks, Rileys serves American classic food and is decked out with a giant HD TV screen showing Sky Sports day and night. Get your game on, or just sit back and watch the action – the choice is yours.

George Asda Concept Store – Crown Point 

A complete refresh of Asda Living’s site, the George Asda Concept Store will blend fashion and function in a new lifestyle-led store. If successful, the concept will pave the way for a refresh of Asda Living stores across the UK.

Wellbeing

PILAT3S – Wellington Street

PILAT3S is a new boutique reformer pilates studio that’s changing the way Leeds stretches. Located on Wellington Street, PILAT3S offers dynamic, expert-led classes that cater to all fitness levels. Eight state-of-the-art reformers await. Why not bag the intro offer of 3 classes for £50 and get started?

Hotels and travel

Hotel Indigo Leeds and Banksia – Lower Briggate

Hotel Indigo on Lower Briggate opens a new chapter on stylish stays in the heart of the city in one of Leeds’ oldest buildings. Within Hotel Indigo, Banksia serves modern Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the perfect space for drinks, networking, or meetings, with two versatile meeting rooms that accommodate up to 80 people in a theatre-style setup. Room rates start from under £100 for a cosy double and under £200 for a one-bedroom suite with a freestanding bath.

Leeds Bradford Airport – Yeadon

Leeds Bradford Airport’s brand new terminal extension is officially open! The first phase of the £100 million project is now complete, featuring a new baggage reclaim area, upgraded passport control facilities, increased seating capacity, and additional food and drink options. Phase two is yet to come, and changes will impact passenger flows. The good news? You can book access to not one, but two premium lounges: the Avro Lounge and Six Eight One Lounge, to take any stress out of your journey.

Coming soon: What’s next for Leeds

Shopping

UNIQLO – Briggate

It’s finally on its way. Uniqlo Leeds is set to land on the ground floor of The Store House (previously House of Fraser), Leeds’ new destination for student accommodation on Briggate. Known for its comfortable, functional clothing, the arrival of the Japanese fast-fashion giant is sure to delight residents of The Store House – and also any fashionista coveting a half-moon-shaped shoulder bag.

Byredo – Victoria Quarter

Luxury lifestyle brand Byredo is set to join luxury skincare brand Aesop in the Victoria Quarter, marking the store’s first standalone location outside of London. Expect the Scandi-chic fragrances, makeup, leather goods and accessories synonymous with the elegant Byredo brand.

Pop Mart – Briggate

Want to get your hands on a viral Labubu plushie? You might not have to wait too long. Pop Mart is on its way to Leeds. Of course, Labubus are not all you’ll find in Pop Mart, famed for its collection of designer toys and collectables. Ready to shop till you drop? It’s coming.

Victoria’s Secret – Briggate

The lingerie giant is back, set to return to Leeds city centre in its signature glamorous style. Victoria’s Secret will move in next door to Uniqlo, under The Store House, student accommodation.

Food and drink

Dishoom – Vicar Lane

Huge news. Rumour has it that the incredibly popular Bombay-style Indian restaurant Dishoom will open a new location on Vicar Lane, occupying the former Flannels site. Get ready for an immersive restaurant experience that combines authenticity and cultural storytelling with a unique taste of Indian cuisine. 

La Fiesta – Merrion Centre

La Fiesta, all you can eat Mediterranean tapas, will arrive at The Merion Centre in summer 2025. La Fiesta will blend flavours from Spain, Greece, Italy, and other global culinary destinations, featuring pinchos to churros stations, and promises a vibrant dining experience at an affordable price.

Madre and Salon Madre – Wellington Place

Madre, the popular Manchester-based Mexican restaurant and its sister concept, a tequila bar and pool hall called Salon Madre, is anticipated to get the party started on Wellington Street. The vibe? Lively. Expect incredible food, DJs, and Lucha Libre on the big screens.

Crowded House – Trinity 

Taking over the former Angelica and Craft House rooftop, Crowded House is Leeds’ next big dining destination for post-work drinks that take in the city’s skyline. Crowded House will offer a dynamic destination over multiple levels, with the rooftop bar staying open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s also set to welcome a regular roster of events.

Entertainment

King Pins – White Rose Centre

King Pins, a state-of-the-art bowling and activity complex, will open at the White Rose Centre this August (2025). Available to prebook, activities include ten-pin bowling, duckpin bowling, tech darts, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, American Pool, karaoke, Wild West shooting, arcade games, and the Kin Pin concept of crazy pool (crazy golf crossed with pool). Snacks and drinks will be available at Marvin’s, the venue’s onsite restaurant.