The Leeds Bloom: New openings Part 3

This month we’re bringing you a selection of exciting new places to check out in Leeds, and several that will be open to the public very soon. We’ve got new clothes shops, restaurants, cafes and much more, so keep reading if you’re planning a city outing any time soon. Or simply interested in seeing how Leeds continues to grow and develop each month.

Open now

Bridge End Social – City Centre

With a garden overlooking the River Aire, and a variety of food and drink options for any time of day, the former Sid’s Bar has now become Bridge End Social. This two-storey venue features decor from local artists, pub games, craft beers and plenty more. 

Pop in to enjoy some lunchtime options and coffee during the day, or stop by for a craft beer or alcoholic beverage in the evening. They’ve even got their own ‘bagel kiosk’ – now that sounds exciting!

M&S – White Rose Shopping Centre 

This isn’t just any store… this is a 97,000 square foot M&S store! 

If you live in or around Leeds, you’ve probably heard news of the huge M&S store set to open at the White Rose shopping centre where Debenhams used to be. We’re thrilled to share that it’s officially open to the public. 

Featuring a huge foodhall, modern M&S cafe, flower shop and several other departments including beauty and home sections, this flagship store has provided locals with hundreds of new job opportunities and an unparalleled shopping experience. 

Olive & Thai – Victoria Arcade

You might have already visited their sister store, Olive & Rye, in which case you’ll be familiar with Olive & Thai’s independent dining experience. Well, now you can enjoy the same quality food, but with a Thai twist. 

Located just next to Olive & Rye in Queens Arcade, this new restaurant offers an exciting menu of signature Thai dishes and specials. You’ll find only the highest quality, freshest ingredients on the menu as you dine surrounded by modern, vibrant decor. Olive & Thai promises to be the perfect place to eat out with friends, family and loved ones. 

Fearns – Leeds Dock 

Fearns is a kitchen, bar and lounge located at Leeds Dock. With a gorgeous open-plan design and a menu that celebrates ‘all things Yorkshire’, it’s well worth a visit. 

Fearns is open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a special Sunday service offering a variety of roast dinners. Whether you’re looking for a small bite to eat, or an indulgent meal, they’ve got it all. 

Head Chef Jade Crawley previously brought her culinary expertise to Eat Your Greens and The Tetley’s bar and kitchen, both Leeds-based restaurants. We’re so excited to see her passion for all things food being put to use at Fearns, as she goes from strength to strength. 

Coming soon

Zara – Trinity Leeds

It seems that M&S isn’t the only store expanding in Leeds, as Zara are set to open a flagship 46,000 square foot store in Trinity’s former TopShop premises. With three floors of women’s, men’s and kid’s clothes, it promises to be a fantastic addition to the shopping centre. 

Although the store isn’t predicted to open until 2024, it’s a huge achievement for Zara. After all, this isn’t going to be any old clothes store – it promises to feature the brand’s latest tech innovations, seamlessly blending an online and physical shopping experience into one. 

Flannels – City Centre

You might have heard that the old Debenhams building in Leeds was destined to be student flats, but Flannels has now chosen this location as that of their new flagship department store. Selling everything from luxury perfume to makeup and clothing, they offer a premium shopping experience to men, women and children. 

The facade of the building will be refurbished to house the designer fashion brand, following the opening of Flannels’ biggest store to date recently opened in Liverpool. If their Merseyside store is anything to go by, Flannels Leeds is going to be a stunning new feature in the city. 

Get Baked – City Centre 

If you’ve not yet laid eyes on Get Baked’s famed ‘Gruesome Bruce’ cake – inspired by the cake young Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat in the film Matilda – you’ll be pleased to hear that they’re opening a new store in the city centre. This viral bakery has made waves on social media, with owner Rich Myers’ popular crude humour and baking prowess, and is ready to expand from its original site in Headingley. If their takeaway treats are anything to go by, we’re sure their new cafe will be a huge success. 

One thing’s for sure: Get Baked really know their stuff. As well as The Bruce, they serve up a variety of sweet treats including cotton candy cookies, passionfruit caramel brownies and sticky toffee pudding to heat up at home. Delish!

Karobar – Horsforth 

What do you get when a successful Indian restaurant joins together with a beloved local brewery? Well… in this case, it’s Karobar Horsforth! 

Kirkstall Brewery and Indian street food restaurant Dastaan are combining the best of their delicious offerings in this new partnership. You’ll soon be able to tuck into some mind-blowing Indian dishes whilst enjoying the best of Leeds’ craft beers – all from the comfort of their new venue in Horsforth. 

The menu will comprise a ‘modern fusion’ of Indian dishes inspired by Kirkstall Brewery’s beers. Fresh, exciting and mouth-wateringly tasty. 

Bricklebank’s Cafe – Chapel Allerton

Where Chapel Allerton’s former Mad Greek restaurant used to be, 22 year old businessman Adam Bricklebank is opening his very own cafe. Serving traditional English breakfasts, cheese and meat boards with wine pairings, all in a place with a ‘rustic yet industrial feel’, the cafe promises to be a great place to stop by for lunch or brunch. 

• Bircklebank might only be young, but he’s been working in hospitality for eight years now. He’s worked as general manager of The Cat’s Pyjamas in Chapel Allerton, and opening his own cafe is just the next step in what promises to be an amazing career. We can’t wait to try out his delicious new menu!