Sushi specialists, luxury jewellers, Korean skincare and some seriously indulgent desserts are all heading to Leeds.
Leeds’ food and retail scene never stands still, and the next few months are shaping up to be particularly exciting. From independent hospitality concepts to international brands and first-to-Leeds arrivals, these new businesses are adding even more variety to the city’s ever-changing line-up.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next dinner reservation, a new beauty obsession or an indulgent sweet treat, here are seven highly anticipated openings coming to Leeds.
O Katsu
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The chef behind one of Leeds’ most popular independent sushi spots is preparing to open her third city-centre venture. Chef Fern, whose Fern Modern Sushi and Tori Nori robata-grill concepts have already built a loyal local following, is launching O Katsu this October.
Located directly opposite her flagship sushi restaurant, this intimate venue will bring an authentic Japanese katsu bar experience to the heart of the city.
Where: Central Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DX.
When: October 2026.
Find out more: O Katsu
Good to know: With just 15 covers and a strict no-bookings policy, guests can sit counter-side at the open kitchen to watch the chefs work.
Moods
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Moods, a new all-day café, bar and events venue, opens at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate on Friday 24th July. It’s the latest venture from husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo and self., who have now brought all three businesses together under one roof.
Housed within the Grade II*-listed building, first constructed in 1711 and recently restored after more than two decades on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, Moods promises speciality coffee, an in-house patisserie, elevated daytime dining and a cocktail list designed for long summer evenings. A full restaurant and private dining offering will follow later in the year.
Where: First White Cloth Hall, Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DJ.
When: 24th July 2026.
Find out more: Moods
Good to know: The opening menu will feature house-made pastries from the in-house patisserie alongside speciality coffee, with further food and drink concepts still to be announced.
Hotel Chocolat & Velvetiser Café
Credit: Hotel Chocolat
Chocolate lovers in South Leeds are getting a major upgrade as Hotel Chocolat brings a combined luxury retail store and dedicated Velvetiser Café to the White Rose Shopping Centre. Positioned in a prime location facing the Central Atrium, the space is designed to let shoppers explore chocolate in both retail and hospitality formats.
Where: Central Atrium, White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8LU.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Hotel Chocolat
Good to know: The café menu features 19 core hot drinking chocolates, 6 distinct iced chocolate options and exclusive chocolate-infused bakes topped with their signature Cacao Whip.
Shokupan
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After building a passionate lunch-hour following on Wellington Street, husband-and-wife duo Alan and Alison Tang are moving their beloved Japanese café into a significantly larger, permanent home.
Inspired by their travels, the pair originally left their respective careers in digital marketing and mechanical engineering to introduce authentic fuwa fuwa (cloud-soft) Japanese milk bread sandwiches to Leeds. Their rapid growth has prompted this major move slap-bang into the city centre which will become a dedicated home for thick-cut Japanese sandos (stuffed with everything from chicken katsu to fresh strawberries and whipped cream), alongside rice bowls, chicken karaage and katsu curries.
Where: Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Shokupan
Good to know: Their custom-recipe milk bread is baked fresh daily by a local independent bakery. The new venue sits on Central Road, joining a vibrant hub of great independent neighbours including House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds.
Moida
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K-beauty fans will no longer have to rely solely on online shipping for their skincare hauls. Trinity Leeds is welcoming Moida, a specialist beauty retailer dedicated entirely to authentic Korean skincare and cosmetics. Taking over the former Claire’s Accessories unit, Moida (meaning “to gather” or “come together” in Korean) uses a team of native beauty experts to curate hard-to-source cult products.
Where: Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
When: Summer 2026.
Find out more: Moida
Good to know: The shelves will feature globally trending K-Beauty brands including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, Tirtir, Medicube, and Biodance.
Rassam’s Creamery
Credit: White Rose Shopping Centre
One of the UK’s fastest-growing dessert brands is making its Leeds debut with its largest and most experiential site to date. Rassam’s Creamery is opening a massive, open-plan venue at the White Rose Shopping Centre, transforming an evening sweet treat into a full family experience.
Where: White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS11 8LU.
When: Late July 2026.
Find out more: Rassam’s Creamery
Good to know: The 250-seat venue features high-tech interactive robot servers to deliver treats to your table and is generating up to 60 new jobs for the local community.
Diamonds Factory
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Global luxury jeweller Diamonds Factory has established a dedicated home in Leeds city centre. Renowned for its ethically sourced, direct-from-the-maker fine jewellery, the brand cuts out high-street middlemen to offer luxury pieces at highly competitive price points and the new showroom offers a private, relaxed environment.
Where: Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Diamonds Factory
Good to know: The showroom provides complimentary welcome drinks and showcases a full range of both natural and lab-grown diamonds, complete with National Association of Jewellers certifications.
