Leeds businesses we have loved and lost in 2023 so far including Chophaus, Joy and Brewdog Headingley

It’s a tough time for businesses across the country as the cost of living crisis bites.

By Abbey Maclure

Published 4th Mar 2023, 16:30 GMT

The closure of several Leeds restaurants, bars and shops have already been confirmed this year – some due to spiralling costs, while other owners have relocated or moved on to new ventures.

Here are eight businesses or branches confirmed to have closed in 2023.

Here are eight Leeds businesses and branches confirmed to have closed in 2023

1. Businesses we've lost in 2023

Here are eight Leeds businesses and branches confirmed to have closed in 2023 Photo: National World

City centre restaurant Le Chalet announced last year that it was closing down, as rising economic pressures meant it was "fighting" just to break even. Le Chalet, opened by Nermine George (pictured) in 2013, had been serving customers at its Park Row base for close to a decade. It closed its doors for good on January 15.

2. Le Chalet

City centre restaurant Le Chalet announced last year that it was closing down, as rising economic pressures meant it was "fighting" just to break even. Le Chalet, opened by Nermine George (pictured) in 2013, had been serving customers at its Park Row base for close to a decade. It closed its doors for good on January 15. Photo: James Hardisty

Women's fashion, accessories, gifts and homeware shop Joy has shut down its Leeds city centre store. The Albion Street branch is no longer listed on the chain's store locator - just one branch in the 02 Arena remains - and stock has been removed from the site. Joy has been approached by the YEP to comment on the closure.

3. Joy

Women's fashion, accessories, gifts and homeware shop Joy has shut down its Leeds city centre store. The Albion Street branch is no longer listed on the chain's store locator - just one branch in the 02 Arena remains - and stock has been removed from the site. Joy has been approached by the YEP to comment on the closure. Photo: National World

Leeds bar The Reliance, a pioneer of the city’s gastropub scene, has closed down after being taken over by Three's A Crowd Leeds - which is now open. Announcing the news last month, the founders of the North Street bar said: “It’s been a privilege to work with and serve so many wonderful people over the years but the time has come to make space for other things in our lives. Thank you all for all your support."

4. The Reliance

Leeds bar The Reliance, a pioneer of the city’s gastropub scene, has closed down after being taken over by Three's A Crowd Leeds - which is now open. Announcing the news last month, the founders of the North Street bar said: “It’s been a privilege to work with and serve so many wonderful people over the years but the time has come to make space for other things in our lives. Thank you all for all your support." Photo: Simon Hulme

My Thai has closed its branch in Swinegate, Leeds city centre, with the site being taken over by Indian restaurant Aarti. It has now disappeared from its website list of branches and is confirmed as "permanently closed" on Google. My Thai still has four restaurants across the North, including its Old Steps branch on York Place and its Merrion Centre restaurant.

5. My Thai Swinegate branch

My Thai has closed its branch in Swinegate, Leeds city centre, with the site being taken over by Indian restaurant Aarti. It has now disappeared from its website list of branches and is confirmed as "permanently closed" on Google. My Thai still has four restaurants across the North, including its Old Steps branch on York Place and its Merrion Centre restaurant. Photo: Google

As it relocates to the city centre, Aarti has permanently closed its original Roundhay restaurant. Aarti had been trading in Street Lane for almost a decade and opened for the last time on Sunday February 12. The eatery, which specialises in South Indian and Punjabi cuisine, is one of the city’s top-rated Indian restaurants on Tripadvisor and Google reviews. In an Instagram post last week, Aarti said its new Swinegate branch was "nearly ready to open".

6. Aarti Roundhay

As it relocates to the city centre, Aarti has permanently closed its original Roundhay restaurant. Aarti had been trading in Street Lane for almost a decade and opened for the last time on Sunday February 12. The eatery, which specialises in South Indian and Punjabi cuisine, is one of the city’s top-rated Indian restaurants on Tripadvisor and Google reviews. In an Instagram post last week, Aarti said its new Swinegate branch was "nearly ready to open". Photo: Google

Leeds Headingley Brewdog