The city has welcomed everything from Gino D'Acampo’s flagship restaurant to new independent bars, pubs and cafes – and the return of some familiar names. And there are a number of exciting new businesses set to open later this year, from a VIP karaoke bar to a new fried chicken restaurant.
Here are 12 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds – and seven more on the way.
13. POCO Sicilian Street Food
The much-loved Italian street food business opened a new kiosk in Leeds city centre on June 9, attracting huge queues on its opening day. Located on Lands Lane, the kiosk serves a range of Italian treats made by Sicilian chefs using fresh Italian ingredients, including pizza al taglio slices, arancini, cannoli, bombolone donuts, Italian sandwiches, lasagne and coffee. There are gluten-free and vegan options available. Photo: POCO Sicilian Street Food
14. K-Cube
A new VIP karaoke venue and bar will open in the Merrion Centre next week. K-Cube, from the owners of the award-winning Blue Sakura brand, promises to bring “world-class” luxury karaoke experience to the heart of the city centre when it opens on June 15. The karaoke venue has a range of rooms available to hire – bronze (up to six people), silver (up to eight people), gold rooms (up to 15 people) and platinum rooms which can host groups of up to 20 people. Photo: K-Cube
15. Tamatanga
Tamatanga will open a new branch in The Headrow next week, following its success in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham. The restaurant chain, founded in 2008, serves hearty, home-style Indian food, promising a mix of both the familiar and unusual twists on classic dishes. The new family-friendly Leeds restaurant will seat more than 150 people and create 50 new jobs, and will open at 5pm on Friday June 16. Photo: Tamatanga
16. Slim Chickens
A popular American restaurant chain serving hand-breaded chicken tenders and more is coming to Leeds this summer. The popular chain serves a variety of food – but its building blocks are its homemade chicken tenders. The menu includes tenders and wings, sandwiches and wraps, salad and sides with 14 dipping sauces. This July, it will take permanent residency in Trinity Leeds on level one. The grand opening will take place from noon on July 6. Photo: Slim Chickens
17. Bricklebank’s Cafe and Bar
A young Leeds businessman is set to open his first restaurant this summer – at just 22 years old. Adam Bricklebank will open Bricklebank’s Cafe and Bar in Chapel Allerton this summer, after taking over the lease of the former Mad Greek restaurant in Stainbeck Lane. It will serve English breakfast classics including eggs royale, eggs benedict and harissa smashed avocado and toast, as well as brunch and lunch including caesar salads and coronation chicken wraps. Photo: Adam Bricklebank
18. Karobar
Kirkstall Brewery has unveiled its plans for a new bar and restaurant with craft beer and Indian tapas food from Adel restaurant Dastaan. Taking over the former Banyan Horsforth site in New Road Site, the working name for the new venue is Karobar. It's set to open later this summer. Photo: Google