New Belgian restaurant, wine bar and boulangerie joins Leeds

Le Pain Quotidien is preparing to launch its first site in the north after snapping up a site within the Victoria Gate Arcade.

The new arrival is due to open in October and will include an organic wine bar and shop, selling fresh food and pastries to take away as well as a selection of signature jams and spreads.

Peter Jenkins, managing director, said: “With a burgeoning food scene and a fantastic, engaged community full of vibrant people of all ages, we are delighted to be part of the Leeds neighbourhood and can’t wait to share our seasonal, fresh and organic food with the local community and beyond.”

Mr Jenkins added: “We are very excited to be opening in Leeds.”

The menu will also include salads, tartines, frittatas and seasonal hot dishes.

The restaurant will have a large communal table, which is a key feature at all of the company’s restaurants.

There are also plans to host baking classes to teach customers how to make fresh artisan bread, cakes and cookies.

Belgian chef Alain Coumont opened the first Le Pain Quotidien in 1990 and it has since expanded from an organic bakery at a flea market in Brussels to a global community with over 200 restaurants in 17 countries.

Last year Le Pain Quotidien celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The company also launched its first UK site outside of London, in Bicester Village, last year.