The Leeds Bloom: New openings

Whether you’re looking for a new place to grab lunch at, a change of scenery for some remote working or an indulgent dining experience, we’ve got this month’s newest picks for you to take a look at.

Poco Sicilian Street Food – City Centre

Following their success in Burley and Headingley, Poco are branching out to Leeds city centre with their newest venue. Now you can grab their delicious Italian street food whilst doing a spot of shopping or on your lunch break. 

Serving everything from delicious focaccine sandwiches to mouthwatering cannoli, Poco are all about delivering the tastes of Sicily to the streets of Leeds. Our firm favourites are their ‘Pizza al Taglio’, authentic tray-baked pizza and their range of delicious desserts. 

Empire Cafe – City Centre 

Founded by chef Sam Pullan and his partner Nicole Deighton, the Empire Cafe’s name can be traced back to at least 60 years ago. During its renovation, the chef uncovered its historic signage and decided to give the cafe a new lease of life. And so the Empire Cafe was reborn. 

As former head chef at a gastropub in Knaresborough, Sam’s latest venture boasts a ‘Wall of Flame’ rotisserie and open fire cooking. With Kirkgate Market right on his doorstep, he’s all about using the very best local produce, so you can be sure about the quality of the ingredients. 

The Empire Cafe is set to open very soon, and we simply can’t wait to tuck in. 

Rudy’s – Headingley

We’ve seen Rudy’s make waves in Leeds city centre, so it’s no surprise they’ve opened a new branch in Headingley. Now you can tuck into one of their traditional Neapolitan pizzas from their newest restaurant on Otley Road. 

Their delicious sourdough pizza is made fresh every day, then stonebaked in their open-plan kitchen. You can choose from a range of toppings, including Italian cured meats, cheeses and delicious veggies.  Whether you choose to dine in or take away, one thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of great Italian food in Leeds. 

Department – Leeds Dock

Set in the gorgeous surroundings of Leeds Dock, this new co-working space is here to suit all your working-from-home needs. You can choose from a range of memberships to suit your needs, including hot desks, resident desks and private studios. They’ve also got their own coffee shop and special member events to help you achieve a better work-life balance. 

With more of us getting a taste for the hybrid and remote working way of life, Department truly is 21st Century working at its finest. 

Things in Bread – City Centre

Yes, this one’s been open since January, but it’s a firm favourite that truly deserved a mention. If you’re looking to upgrade your lunch, we’re sure you’ll love Things in Bread. 

As you might have guessed from the name, this sandwich shop is all about great quality bread. They don’t just serve any bread – these guys have spent the past two years perfecting their shokupan milk loaf recipe so that it’s the perfect balance of fluffy on the inside with a satisfyingly crispy crust. You could say it’s the best thing since sliced bread. 

And if you’re still hungry afterwards, you can pop to their sister shop doh’hut for a freshly baked doughy treat and a cup of North Star coffee. 

Three’s a Crowd – City Centre

Here to provide you with a modern gastro pub experience, Three’s a Crowd has just opened on North Street in Leeds. Perfect for a relaxed evening meal or a bite to eat in the afternoon. With mains ranging from fish and chips to sirloin steak and a variety of delicious sides and nibbles, their relaxed atmosphere and stunning dishes are sure to win you over. 

Originally based in Harrogate, Three’s a Crowd is all about serving up the very best that British food has to offer. They were even featured in the 2021 & 2022 Michelin guide!

The Savvy Baker Fueled – Seacroft

For those with a sweet tooth, you might have already heard of this Leeds-based baker. Savannah, otherwise known as the ‘Savvy Baker’ has been serving up her indulgent brownies since lockdown, and this cafe is going to be the third she’s opened since founding the business. 

This time, however, Savannah’s breaking into the health and fitness market with bakes including protein brownies, energy balls and other low-carb treats. If they’re anything like her brownies, they’ll be utterly irresistible. 

The cafe will be based in Ultrafex Gym’s new centre that’s set to open soon in north Leeds. Find out more HERE