The city’s streets are changing yet again with a handful of new shops, cafés and restaurants.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, an avid collector or a lover of Mediterranean cuisine, there’s something new to discover for everyone in this round-up of seven new spots opening in Leeds this summer. Which are you most excited for?
Hello Japan
Credit: Hello Japan
Local foodies rejoice, Leeds is about to be home to a brand new independent Japanese grocery store. Hello Japan will be your one stop shop for authentic Japanese food products. They’ll have an unbelievable array of ramen, sweet treats like Poky (the Japanese answer to Mikado), good quality matcha you can make at home and much more. They restock every couple of weeks and many of their items are exclusive imports that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the country – Japanophiles will be spoiled for choice.
Hello Japan will open on Albion Street on 19th July 2025.
Madre
Credit: Ben Pickles
This summer, Leeds is getting a double whammy of fresh flavours and vibes. Mexican restaurant Madre is set to open on Wellington Place, and its sister bar and pool hall, Salon Madre, will open just around the corner. Already a mainstay in Liverpool and Manchester, Madre is founded on the principle of sobremesa, a celebration of socialising at the table long after the last dish is cleared. This makes it ideal for enjoying long leisurely lunches or decadent dinners with your loved ones. Feast on everything from Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats, the madre menu is bold, playful and perfect for sharing. At Salon Madre, tequila and mescal flow freely and there’s an array of street-food favourites for you to sample over a friendly game of pool– arriba all round!
Madre will open at Wellington Place this autumn.
Cinnammmm
A pioneer in the Leeds cinnamon bon scene, Cinnammmm are finally bringing their delicious baked beauties to a brick and mortar café. They’ve been supplying the city and surrounding areas for the past five years, so you’ve probably seen them before in local indie cafés, at food festivals, pop-ups and markets. Soon they’ll have a permanent home so you’ll know just where to go for your fix of cinnamon goodness. They’re still putting the finishing touches on the venue so we’re yet to have an official opening date but stay tuned for updates because in a matter of weeks, there’ll be no more need to order in advance or call up to find they’ve sold out – you’ll be able to sit and eat in their new location, enjoying a cinnamon bun with a hot drink on the spot, YUM!
Cinnammmm will open in North Chapel Allerton soon.
Uniqlo
Credit: Tobias Arhelger
Leeds is about to get a whole lot chicer once Uniqlo comes to town. Recent planning documents suggest the fashion brand, known for its high-quality staples, will occupy one of the ground floor units in The Store House, below the new Prestige Student Living accommodation. They’ll be joining a line up of retail giants on Briggate, and will be just across the street Zara, so you’ll be able to grab all your stylish essentials on the same street.
Uniqlo will open on Briggate in 2026.
Victoria’s Secret
After two years away, Victoria Secret is returning to Leeds. The high-street giant will be bringing its much-loved lingerie, loungewear and beauty products back to the city centre. Recent plans for their iconic signage to go up on The Store House (next to the upcoming Uniqlo Store) have just been approved by the council. Though we don’t know exactly when the store will open one thing’s for sure, Briggate will be a lot more glamorous with a Victoria Secret storefront on it.
Victoria’s Secret will open on Briggate in 2026.
Blend
The building on the corner of Burley Road is changing hands once again. The spot was formerly home to independent Indian restaurant, Corner Café, before it became OWT in 2023. Since OWT closed at the start of this year, we’ve been wondering what would take its place, then suddenly signs were put up announcing the upcoming arrival of Blend. There’s not much information on Blend’s website or social media channels but by the looks of things, it’s a boutique coffee shop serving quality roasts in a peaceful, stripped-back atmosphere – a great place to sip, savour and smile!
Blend will open soon on Burley Road.
Mr Bragshaws
Lovers of modern art and all things obscure will be pleased to learn that Mr Bragshaws fine art collection is opening up an art gallery in the North of Leeds. They’ll be showing a small selection of their incredible collection, turning the Phoenix House space into a world of bright colours, stunning sculptures and phenomenal paintings. They’ve got original pieces from internationally renowned artists like Banksy, David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, which you’ll be able to view in the intimate setting designed to stimulate creativity. How cool is that?
Mr Bragshaws is opening soon in Chapel Allerton.
Cover image credit: Ben Pickles
