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

Abbey Maclure
·8-min read
Here are 27 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds this summer - or are opening very soon (Photo: National World)
Here are 27 exciting new businesses that have opened in Leeds this summer - or are opening very soon (Photo: National World)

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.

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)
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. (Photo: 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. (Photo: 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. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
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.
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.
This new venue and event space, brought about by some of the key figures in the Leeds music scene, opened in July. Project House, in Armley Road, offers a multi-use event space which will host a varied programme of music, markets, exhibitions, conferences and parties. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
This new venue and event space, brought about by some of the key figures in the Leeds music scene, opened in July. Project House, in Armley Road, offers a multi-use event space which will host a varied programme of music, markets, exhibitions, conferences and parties. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Tamatanga officially opened its doors to the public in June, following its success in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham. The Indian restaurant chain, founded in 2008, serves a mix of both the familiar and unusual twists on classic dishes, as well as unique cocktails and premium spirits. (Photo: Tamatanga)
Tamatanga officially opened its doors to the public in June, following its success in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham. The Indian restaurant chain, founded in 2008, serves a mix of both the familiar and unusual twists on classic dishes, as well as unique cocktails and premium spirits. (Photo: Tamatanga)
This new luxury clinic has opened in the heart of Leeds offering facials, chemical peels and laser hair treatment. Rejuvaskin, which specialises in laser hair removal and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, has launched its second treatment space in Albion Street. Led by owner Shaz Ahmed, pictured, Rejuvaskin also offers high-tech LED Light Therapy and a range of skincare treatments. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
This new luxury clinic has opened in the heart of Leeds offering facials, chemical peels and laser hair treatment. Rejuvaskin, which specialises in laser hair removal and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, has launched its second treatment space in Albion Street. Led by owner Shaz Ahmed, pictured, Rejuvaskin also offers high-tech LED Light Therapy and a range of skincare treatments. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
A one-of-a-kind Bielsa-themed pet cafe has opened in the Pet Lodge Superstore in Wortley. Owner Arron Lambert is dedicating the cafe to the former Leeds United boss, with Bielsa themes running through the venue, from the music and decor to the food on offer. Lil and Flo’s Pet Cafe, named after Arron’s daughters, will serve hot drinks and buns for humans, including Bielsa’s favourite mate tea. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
A one-of-a-kind Bielsa-themed pet cafe has opened in the Pet Lodge Superstore in Wortley. Owner Arron Lambert is dedicating the cafe to the former Leeds United boss, with Bielsa themes running through the venue, from the music and decor to the food on offer. Lil and Flo’s Pet Cafe, named after Arron’s daughters, will serve hot drinks and buns for humans, including Bielsa’s favourite mate tea. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
The London-based fashion retailer, known for timeless design and wardrobe staples, launched its new standalone shop in Victoria Gate at the end of June. It’s one of five new arrivals in Victoria Leeds this summer, with Phase Eight, Townhouse Nails, Jimmy Fairly and the Whisky Shop also opening stores in the shopping district. (Photo: Giles Rocholl Photography)
The London-based fashion retailer, known for timeless design and wardrobe staples, launched its new standalone shop in Victoria Gate at the end of June. It’s one of five new arrivals in Victoria Leeds this summer, with Phase Eight, Townhouse Nails, Jimmy Fairly and the Whisky Shop also opening stores in the shopping district. (Photo: Giles Rocholl Photography)
We couldn't miss out the iconic Hyde Park Picture House, which reopened this summer following a multi-million pound transformation. The historic 109-year-old cinema has undergone repairs to the façade, seen its original terrazzo flooring restored and, opened a brand-new 50-seat second screen in the basement. Pictured is the head of cinema Wendy Cook.
We couldn't miss out the iconic Hyde Park Picture House, which reopened this summer following a multi-million pound transformation. The historic 109-year-old cinema has undergone repairs to the façade, seen its original terrazzo flooring restored and, opened a brand-new 50-seat second screen in the basement. Pictured is the head of cinema Wendy Cook.
This popular American restaurant chain serving hand-breaded chicken tenders has landed in Trinity Leeds, following its success across the country. The menu includes tenders and wings, sandwiches and wraps, salad and sides with 14 dipping sauces. (Photo: Slim Chickens)
This popular American restaurant chain serving hand-breaded chicken tenders has landed in Trinity Leeds, following its success across the country. The menu includes tenders and wings, sandwiches and wraps, salad and sides with 14 dipping sauces. (Photo: Slim Chickens)
Online cyclewear brand Paria has opened its first bricks-and-mortar shop and cafe in Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton. The brand’s founder, Leeds entrepreneur and cycling enthusiast Sam Morgan (pictured), launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Paria store earlier this year. The shop stock a range of apparel for both on and off the bike, as well as serving hot drinks, smoothies and healthy snacks.
Online cyclewear brand Paria has opened its first bricks-and-mortar shop and cafe in Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton. The brand’s founder, Leeds entrepreneur and cycling enthusiast Sam Morgan (pictured), launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Paria store earlier this year. The shop stock a range of apparel for both on and off the bike, as well as serving hot drinks, smoothies and healthy snacks.
This Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen and funky cocktails is now open in Otley Road, Headingley. Split over two floors, TADA offers a traditional sushi bar downstairs, with the first floor housing a Japanese dining room serving ramen, yakitori skewers and more, as well as cocktails, sake and Japanese whiskey. Pictured are the founders Thomas Chiang and Katlin Akerman.
This Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen and funky cocktails is now open in Otley Road, Headingley. Split over two floors, TADA offers a traditional sushi bar downstairs, with the first floor housing a Japanese dining room serving ramen, yakitori skewers and more, as well as cocktails, sake and Japanese whiskey. Pictured are the founders Thomas Chiang and Katlin Akerman.
22-year-old entrepreneur Adam Bricklebank opened his first cafe, restaurant and bar in Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, at the end of July. Adam already has years of experience in the hospitality industry under his belt, getting his first job as a pot wash when he was just 14. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
22-year-old entrepreneur Adam Bricklebank opened his first cafe, restaurant and bar in Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, at the end of July. Adam already has years of experience in the hospitality industry under his belt, getting his first job as a pot wash when he was just 14. (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Newly opened in Kirkstall Road is Trissur Pooram, named after the annual Hindu temple festival in Kerala. A family-run south Indian restaurant, its owners have recently relocated to Leeds from London, taking over the former vegan restaurant Meat Is Dead. (Photo: James Hardisty)
Newly opened in Kirkstall Road is Trissur Pooram, named after the annual Hindu temple festival in Kerala. A family-run south Indian restaurant, its owners have recently relocated to Leeds from London, taking over the former vegan restaurant Meat Is Dead. (Photo: James Hardisty)
A new gym that promises to “transform the way our community approaches health and wellness
A new gym that promises to “transform the way our community approaches health and wellness" has opened its doors in north Leeds. The Bradford Road gym offers a holistic approach to fitness with personal training in small groups, tailoring each member's fitness journey to their individual needs, goals, and preferences. (Photo: Simon Hulme)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
One of Harrogate’s most popular brunch restaurants is opening a second venue in Leeds city centre very soon. Farmhouse, an independent restaurant specialising in brunches, breakfasts and all-day dishes, is moving into the former ASK Italian on Lands Lane. Chef Tom Hunter will head the kitchen, bringing over 10 years of experience. (Photo: Patrick West)
One of Harrogate’s most popular brunch restaurants is opening a second venue in Leeds city centre very soon. Farmhouse, an independent restaurant specialising in brunches, breakfasts and all-day dishes, is moving into the former ASK Italian on Lands Lane. Chef Tom Hunter will head the kitchen, bringing over 10 years of experience. (Photo: Patrick West)
Another new business due to open soon is Little Leeds play cafe, from the founders of Roundhay's Leeds Deli. The cafe, opening next door to Leeds Deli, will be aimed at families and children with play areas and a kids oriented menu. (Photo: Little Leeds)
Another new business due to open soon is Little Leeds play cafe, from the founders of Roundhay's Leeds Deli. The cafe, opening next door to Leeds Deli, will be aimed at families and children with play areas and a kids oriented menu. (Photo: Little Leeds)
This highly-anticipated Adel bar is nearing completion. The Foundation, which will be situated at the former site of Cranberries Delicatessen on Otley Road, is currently being developed by Meanwood Brewery, which is owned by brothers Graeme and Baz Phillips. The new venue will be the brewery’s second spot in Leeds following the runaway success of their flagship taproom in Meanwood, The Terminus Taproom and Bottleshop, which opened in November 2018. (Photo: Meanwood Brewery)
This highly-anticipated Adel bar is nearing completion. The Foundation, which will be situated at the former site of Cranberries Delicatessen on Otley Road, is currently being developed by Meanwood Brewery, which is owned by brothers Graeme and Baz Phillips. The new venue will be the brewery’s second spot in Leeds following the runaway success of their flagship taproom in Meanwood, The Terminus Taproom and Bottleshop, which opened in November 2018. (Photo: Meanwood Brewery)