From independent specialty cafés to massive nightlife venues, here is your definitive guide to the seven most anticipated new openings arriving in Leeds.
Whether you are a local foodie hunting for your next brunch spot or a shopper keeping track of the city’s changing landscape, Leeds’ food, drink and retail scenes are always evolving. From independent Yorkshire startups expanding into the city centre to major global brands choosing West Yorkshire for their North of England debuts, these are the seven exciting new openings in Leeds to put on your radar for 2026.
STRONG Pilates
Leeds is about to welcome the first STRONG Pilates studio in the North of England. Opening at The Majestic, this global fitness brand combines Pilates, strength training and cardio into one high-energy, low-impact workout.
Originally launched in Australia, STRONG now has more than 100 studios worldwide and has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to fitness. Using specialist Rowformer machines, classes are designed to challenge your body while remaining gentle on your joints. If you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine, this could be the perfect place to start.
Where: Lower Ground Floor, The Majestic, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EF.
When: Saturday 27th June 2026.
Find out more: STRONG Pilates
Good to know: Classes combine reformer Pilates with either rowing or cycling-based cardio using STRONG’s signature Rowformer machines.
North Star Coffee Roasters
Credit: North Star Coffee Roasters
Leeds-born coffee pioneers North Star are expanding their city centre presence with not one but two new openings this summer. Hot on the heels of its recent opening in the iconic Victoria Quarter, next up is a takeaway-focused kiosk on Great George Street.
Known for helping put Leeds on the speciality coffee map, North Star has built a loyal following thanks to its expertly sourced beans and quality-first approach. Alongside exceptional coffee, visitors will love the sandwiches, bakes and retail coffee to take home. For coffee lovers, these could quickly become two of the city’s most essential stops.
Where: Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BB.
When: July 2026.
Find out more: North Star Coffee Roasters
Good to know: Alongside speciality coffee, the Great George Street site will serve house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes and a curated range of retail coffee and brewing equipment.
Bluebird Bakery
© Copyright Leeds-List 2026
Award-winning Yorkshire bakery Bluebird is preparing to bring its artisan breads, pastries and baked treats to Chapel Allerton.
What started around a kitchen table in York has grown into one of the region’s most respected independent bakeries. Known for its slow-fermented sourdough made with organic flour and traditional methods, Bluebird has developed a loyal following across Yorkshire. The new café and bakery promises to be a welcome addition to one of Leeds’ most food-loving neighbourhoods.
Where: 6 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.
When: July 2026.
Find out more: Bluebird Bakery
Good to know: Bluebird’s sourdough is made using local organic flour, wild yeast and traditional long-fermentation methods, with no flour improvers or artificial additives.
Mint XL
Credit: Elliot Young
One of Leeds’ most influential nightlife brands is making a big return to the city centre. Mint XL will open inside the former PRYZM nightclub building on Woodhouse Lane, bringing electronic music events and club nights to Leeds.
The new venue marks a major investment in West Yorkshire’s nightlife economy, promising a packed calendar of leading international DJs and touring electronic artists.
Where: 16-18 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8LX.
When: Friday 25th September 2026.
Find out more: Mint XL
Good to know: The venue is being created by the team behind Mint Festival and Mint Warehouse, two brands that have helped establish Leeds as one of the UK’s leading electronic music destinations.
The Fragrance Shop
Credit: Umpf Limited
Trinity Leeds is adding another major name to its retail line-up with the arrival of a new flagship store from The Fragrance Shop.
Taking over the former LEGO Store unit, the UK’s largest independent fragrance retailer will launch a state-of-the-art flagship experience. Whether you’re looking for a new signature scent or the perfect gift, beauty lovers will be able to browse hundreds of luxury, niche and designer scents with interactive, in-store digital consultations and expert guidance. For beauty lovers, this is one opening that’s sure to make a lasting impression.
Where: Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: The Fragrance Shop
Good to know: The Fragrance Shop is the UK’s largest independent fragrance retailer.
Mezza
Credit: Leeds List 2026
A taste of the Eastern Mediterranean is heading to Leeds city centre with the arrival of Mezza. The restaurant group – which won Britain’s Best Lebanese Restaurant in 2025 for its successful Bradford location – is preparing to open next door to Etci Mehmet on Eastgate.
Inspired by the coastal cuisines of Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, Mezza specialises in fresh, colourful Levantine dishes. Picture open-flame grilled meats, vibrant sharing plates and authentic hospitality. If you’re always searching for your next favourite restaurant, this is one opening worth watching closely.
Where: Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7LY.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Mezza Restaurants
Good to know: The menu focuses on Levantine cuisine, where fresh ingredients, grilled meats and sharing plates are central to the dining experience.
Hayy
Credit: Leeds List 2026
A stylish new café concept is preparing to open its doors on Eastgate. Taking over the former Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery site, Hayy aims to bridge the gap between a morning specialty espresso bar and a cultural evening hub.
Inspired by memorable cafés from around the world, the team behind Hayy want to create a space filled with great coffee, flavour-packed food, music, culture and community. Designed as a place where people want to stay a little longer than planned, it already looks set to become a welcome addition to the city centre café scene.
Where: Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7LY.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Mezza Restaurants
Good to know: The menu focuses on Levantine cuisine, where fresh ingredients, grilled meats and sharing plates are central to the dining experience.
