The Leeds Bloom: New openings Part 2

As summer approaches, there’s no shortage of places opening up in Leeds. Whether you’re looking for a new dining spot, hoping to do some clothes shopping or to enjoy the best of the city’s film scene, here are several new places we’d recommend checking out. 

Chow Down – Temple Arches

Leeds’ biggest outdoor food and drink venue is back for 2023! With a variety of events planned for this spring and summer, Chow Down has returned to its home at Temple Arches – just a five minute walk from Leeds train station. The venue includes gorgeous outdoor space ‘The Garden of Chow’, sheltered areas ‘The Potting Shed’ and ‘The Plant House’, as well as its own food village, stage and bar. 

From dog socials and drag brunches to Bingo and burger battles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year at Chow Down. Check out their website for further info, and to book any of their upcoming events. 

Blue Rinse – Merrion Centre

Leeds’ popular vintage clothes store Blue Rinse has opened a new store in the Merrion Centre. Founded in 1997 by brothers Jeff and Mick Barnett, the brand continues to go from strength to strength. Not only is Blue Rinse flourishing in Leeds, but they also have a successful store in the heart of Manchester. 

Blue Rinse is all about selling vintage, reworked and recycled clothing. So if you’re looking to update your wardrobe, find a unique piece to suit your style, or to avoid buying into fast-fashion, this store is just the place to be. 

Aarti – City Centre

South Indian and Punjabi restaurant Aarti recently made the move from Roundhay to Leeds city centre. With a fresh, new look to reflect its excellent Trip Advisor ratings, Aarti serves up a variety of delicious Indian street food during lunchtimes and evenings. They also offer takeaway, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.  

Aarti’s new venue can be found opposite Malmaison hotel in Swinegate. Decked out with brand new signage and rustic benches, it’s the perfect place for a work lunch, family gathering or special event. 

Shokupan – City Centre

Founded by husband and wife Alison and Alan Tang, Shokupan is a new Japanese-style cafe in central Leeds. Although it’s been open since the end of last year, we thought their amazing sandos were well worth a mention. 

If you’re wondering what exactly a sando is, it’s an iconic Japanese sandwich made with shokupan – a type of light, fluffy milk bread. In Japanese, it’s described as ‘fuwa fuwa’, meaning ‘fluffy like a cloud’. Shokupan (the cafe) offers a range of delicious breakfast and lunch options including katsu sandos, tonkatsu rice and furikake fries, all from the comfort of their modern cafe on Wellington st.

Gino D’Acampo’s – City Centre 

Famed TV chef Gino D’Acampo recently opened his new restaurant inside Leeds’ Marriott Hotel. This impressive space features a restaurant area, bar lounge, deli, terrace and fully-catered events spaces. 

Not only does Gino D’Acampo’s serve a lavish menu of Italian dishes, but you can also enjoy the finests of afternoon teas, a two or three-course lunch, or take your pick from the ciccheti bar. With an open-plan design featuring one hundred and sixty seats, this restaurant offers a dining experience quite like no other. 

Untold Bar – Kirkgate

Following its official launch at the end of March, this Ibiza style cocktail bar has officially opened its doors to the public. Whilst there’s certainly no shortage of bars in Leeds, Untold Bar brings something fresh to the scene with three vibrant floors, private rooms to hire for parties and events, and live music every week.

And don’t get us started on their cocktails! Their resident cocktails include a classic espresso martini and an Ibiza-inspired twist on the pornstar martini. If their stunning venue is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see the cocktails themselves.