Three new restaurants, a new record label, a wellness studio and an iconic shop – they’re all coming to Leeds in 2023.
Who fancies a batch of exciting new openings, all prepping their arrivals in Leeds? Well, what a treat we have in store for you. There are six to let you in on, and each one is worth looking forward to. Among three new eateries, there are two familiar names and an Indian import from the Midlands, while two iconic British companies lay down a marker in Leeds. But that’s just a hint of what’s to come – read on to get the full lowdown.
Aarti
My Thai’s Swinegate home may well be no longer, but it’s not staying empty for long. Aarti, a much-loved Indian restaurant, is closing its Street Lane dining room to move into the city centre. So what can you expect? A mix of South Indian and Punjabi flavours in the form of classic street food dishes. Small plates like paneer tikka and samosa chaat sit alongside thalis and mains like bhurji pav.
Aarti opens on Swinegate, Leeds city centre in spring 2023.
EMI North
Credit: Andrew Benge
This is a huge moment for music in Leeds and the wider north. EMI, the biggest record label in the UK, has revealed it’s launching a new subsidiary label in Leeds. EMI North is the first major British label based outside of London. Based in Duke Studios, it will partner with local labels Clue Records and Come Play With Me and be dedicated to giving a platform to the best local talent in north.
EMI North opens in Duke Studios, Leeds city centre in spring 2023.
Tamatanga
Tamatanga has won an army of fans for its authentic Indian cuisine at its Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham restaurants, but now it’s heading to Leeds, taking over the former George’s on The Headrow. The offering is massive, taking you from thalis to curry bowls, small plates to salad bowls, alongside dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus and a banging bottomless brunch.
Tamatanga opens on The Headrow, Leeds city centre later in 2023.
The Pink Room
Credit: Stu Hansom
A shop and wellness space dedicated to women and queer people, The Pink Room made waves when it opened in Leeds Corn Exchange last year, but now they’re moving on. They’ve moved the shop online, closed the city centre unit and are moving out to Chapel Allerton, solely with their therapies and workshops – expect everything from yoga massage to acupuncture.
The Pink Room opens in Chapel Allerton in spring 2023.
Poco
© Copyright Leeds-List 2023 by Ali Turner
Rotisserie chicken, sweet cannoli and pizza al taglio – is it any wonder Leeds has fallen in love with Poco? They’re following their Burley and Headingley homes with a third, at a secret location (for now), but believed to be in Leeds city centre. Expect more info in the coming months as they prepare to bring their supersized stuffed arancini balls and proper Italian coffee central.
Poco opens at a soon-to-be-confirmed location in Leeds later in 2023.
Marks & Spencer
M&S will continue its hometown legacy by opening a new 80,000-square foot store at the White Rose Centre later this year. The former Debenhams unit will be a new flagship home for the iconic brand. It will feature all elements of the M&S experience, from a 15,000-square foot Foodhall to home, womenswear, beauty, lingerie, childrenswear and menswear departments.
Marks & Spencer opens at the White Rose Centre in summer 2023.
