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.
19. Tasty by Greggs
The 117-seat Tasty by Greggs café is now open on the first floor of the Primark in Trinity Leeds shopping centre. The new Leeds branch features vibrant interiors and backdrops which are designed for Instagram and TikTok feeds. Customers can snap a selfie in the shop’s doughnut seating booths or on its Sausage Roll swing. Photo: Simon Hulme
20. Ma-Hé
Ma-Hé opened in the Merrion Centre on August 12, serving signature small plates from the five main coastal regions of south India. The cuisine and cultures of Goa, Mangalore, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra will be united under one roof and five chefs have relocated from India to take over the kitchen. Photo: Simon Hulme
21. Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat has recently opened a new concept store at The Springs. It's home to a Velvetiser Café, with customers able to select from thousands of combinations to personalise their drink. The team can also help customers find their chocolate ‘Love Match’ based on their preferred flavour profiles including smooth pralines, patisserie-inspired flavours or something tipsy which packs a punch. Photo: James Hardisty
22. The Bootlegger
This speakeasy-style bar has opened in Leeds city centre, sending drinkers back to the roaring 20s. The time-transcending hideaway opened on Park Row on August 18. It serves a selection of more than 80 cocktails from classics recipes from a century ago, right up to the most modern of tipples. Photo: The Bootlegger
23. The Three Swords
Kirkstall Brewery’s much-anticipated new pub opened on Friday - the brewery's fourth venue in Leeds. It’s a collaboration with Adel restaurant Dastaan, which serves Indian small plates and tapas-style street food from the pub’s kitchen. Kirkstall Brewery has also partnered with Leeds-based business Northern Bloc to create a ‘world-first’ mango lassi soft-serve ice cream for its New Road Side pub. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
24. Bird & Blend
Just opened in the Victoria Quarter is independent tea company Bird & Blend, offering more than 100 flavours of tea, masterclasses and more from its new Leeds shop. Bird & Blend Tea Co. was founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, who began their story packing tea in their bedroom and attending markets. The company now runs multiple retail shops and an international online store. Photo: Bird & Blend