Leeds businesses: 27 exciting new restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and gyms opened this summer

It’s a challenging climate to open a business in, but that hasn’t got in the way of some exciting new arrivals to Leeds.

By Abbey Maclure

Published 26th Aug 2023, 16:30 GMT

From a new cafe and bar in Chapel Allerton launched by a 22-year-old entrepreneur, to a glamorous city centre restaurant merging five south Indian cuisines, a number of new food and drink businesses have made Leeds their home this summer.

We’ve had new shops, luxury salons and independent gyms, too – and even a Greggs cafe in Primark. And there’s more new openings on the way as the summer comes to a close, including a brunch spot that’s already popular in Harrogate.

Here are 27 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds this summer, or are opening very soon.

Here are 27 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds this summer - or are opening very soon

1. New Leeds openings

Here are 27 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds this summer - or are opening very soon Photo: National World

One of the first new openings of the summer, this award-winning rum company opened its first rum distillery and blending house in Armley. The distillery shop is now open Monday-Friday each week and visitors can also book guided tours of the rum distillery - with drinks included.

2. Libations Rum

One of the first new openings of the summer, this award-winning rum company opened its first rum distillery and blending house in Armley. The distillery shop is now open Monday-Friday each week and visitors can also book guided tours of the rum distillery - with drinks included. Photo: Libations Rum

This gym opened its doors in an old industrial unit on Wide Lane, Morley, at the beginning of June. The entrepreneur behind it, 28 year-old Mitch Harris, said he had converted the building from a “complete and utter empty shell”. The business was previously located in a smaller premises in Morley town centre.

3. The Linked Hub

This gym opened its doors in an old industrial unit on Wide Lane, Morley, at the beginning of June. The entrepreneur behind it, 28 year-old Mitch Harris, said he had converted the building from a “complete and utter empty shell”. The business was previously located in a smaller premises in Morley town centre. Photo: The Linked Hub

This much-loved Italian street food business opened a new kiosk in Leeds city centre in June – attracting huge queues on its opening day. Located on Lands Lane, it serves the POCO treats that Leeds has come to love, including pizza al taglio slices, arancini, cannoli, bombolone donuts, Italian sandwiches, lasagne and coffee.

4. POCO Sicilian Street Food

This much-loved Italian street food business opened a new kiosk in Leeds city centre in June – attracting huge queues on its opening day. Located on Lands Lane, it serves the POCO treats that Leeds has come to love, including pizza al taglio slices, arancini, cannoli, bombolone donuts, Italian sandwiches, lasagne and coffee. Photo: POCO Sicilian Street Food

Club Atomic took over the former Hedonist bar in Lower Briggate earlier this summer, offering dance music, a wide range of drinks and neon lights. The nostalgic bar first opened in Selby and this new venue is part of its expansion plans.

5. Club Atomic

Club Atomic took over the former Hedonist bar in Lower Briggate earlier this summer, offering dance music, a wide range of drinks and neon lights. The nostalgic bar first opened in Selby and this new venue is part of its expansion plans. Photo: Simon Hulme

K-Cube, which opened in the Merrion Centre in June, promises a “world-class” luxury karaoke experience. The karaoke venue is housed above the new Blue Pavilion restaurant, which is set to open this autumn. Around £2million has been invested into the complex in the former Picture House pub.

6. K-Cube

K-Cube, which opened in the Merrion Centre in June, promises a “world-class” luxury karaoke experience. The karaoke venue is housed above the new Blue Pavilion restaurant, which is set to open this autumn. Around £2million has been invested into the complex in the former Picture House pub. Photo: James Hardisty

Leeds Chapel Allerton Harrogate Greggs Primark