There’s been loads of new openings in 2024, but we’ve rounded up our favourites right here.
As another year draws to a close, it’s only right that we reflect on the whole batch of new additions we’ve welcomed to the city. There’s everything from luxury aparthotels to tiramisu cafes, food halls to vintage boutiques – and that’s only scratching the surface. So, without further ado, let us introduce our favourite new openings of 2024.
Fancy checking out what we can look forward to in 2025? We’ve got you covered.
Ilkley Tap
It was a long time coming, but Ilkley Brewery finally opened their first brick-and-mortar taproom in 2024. You’ll find The Ilkley Tap on Grove Promenade, where they’ve gone big with over 20 lines of beer – you heard that right.
We’re talking tipples that showcase the very best of Yorkshire, from eight hand-pulled cask ales to twelve keg beers. How do you make that better? Add in tasty Italian small plates from in-house kitchen residents Stuzzi!
The Ilkley Tap, 60 The Grove Promenade, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9PA.
The Old Police Station
Headingley welcomed a new addition this year, a boutique aparthotel, transforming what was once the old police station. The aptly named Old Police Station by Montgomery House holds five bedrooms decorated to perfection.
From super king beds and Dyson hairdryers to Marshall speakers, it’s clear that much care has gone into giving the aparthotel that intimate, special touch. Venture downstairs and you’ll find a luxury espresso machine, Kirkstall Brewery’s finest tipples and tasty snacks from Yorkshire Crisps.
The Old Police Station by Montgomery House, North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HG.
Nylas
If you’ve wandered down Briggate recently, you may have noticed Nyla’s. The chic new bar boasts a stunning decor, with exposed bricks, hanging greenery and neon signage.
The food offering takes you from breakfast to dinner, with a star lineup of pesto focaccia, Caesar salad and avocado toast. And to drink? Cocktails of every colour, beer, wine and more!
Nyla’s, 156 Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LY.
NQ64
NQ64 has taken the UK by storm, so we were thrilled to see them finally arrive in Leeds this year. Housed in the former Manahatta on Merrion Street, the gaming bar is plastered with UV graffiti and lighting, with endless fun hidden around every corner.
And let’s not forget the games. From breaking your high score on Pac-Man to riffing out on Guitar Hero, all the classics are here and present. Why not level up your night with one of the video-game-themed cocktails?
NQ64, 11 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.
White Cloth Hall
When White Cloth Hall opened their doors, foodies rejoiced. This all-day dining destination has brought together a whole host of indie food heroes in the beautiful surrounds of a Grade II-listed landmark.
Slabs of pizza focaccia from Mortys, slow-cooked meats from Salmas, flavourful curries from Kuala Lumpur and oysters from Lupton’s Chophouse are just a taste of the delights awaiting. And, of course, there’s a stellar drink selection, with Yorkshire brews, organic wines and homemade cocktails.
White Cloth Hall, 25 Crown Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DA.
Eleven Eleven
Calling all pilates lovers! Eleven Eleven is Seacroft’s newest reformer pilates studio, offering a workout with a twist. Founder Holly has been practising for years, but it was this summer she finally took the plunge and opened her very own studio.
Classes range from beginner and pre-natal to the more high-intensity dynamic flow. But Holly’s always on hand to talk through each exercise, from the warm-up right through to the cool-down. Why not try it out for yourself?
Eleven Eleven Studios, Unit 5, Limewood Business Park, Limewood Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 1AB.
Etci Mehmet
Leeds’ newest Turkish steakhouse has certainly brought some spice to the city’s restaurant scene. Etci Mehmet is a premium dining experience, using unique flambé cooking and premium meats to make for a truly unforgettable meal.
Traditional mezze and lamb chops are great choices, but the real star of the show is the 28-day dry-aged steak. Prepared table-side and cooked in a live fire show, it’s as delicious as it is showstopping.
Etci Mehmet, Unit 1, 3 Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7LY.
Caffe Brigante
Caffe Briggante made quite the storm when they opened their doors in Leeds city centre, and for good reason. It’s here where you can choose from a whopping seven (yes, seven) tiramisu.
Classic and limoncello, Baileys and pistachio, but our favourite had to be the Nutella and strawberry. It isn’t just all sweet, though, with Italian sandwiches and slices of pizza to keep you fuelled, too.
Caffe Brigante, 17 Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1QN.
Knoops
Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate. Need we say any more? Knoops is your one-stop shop for indulgent goodness, whether you’re in the mood for a winter warmer or need a break from the hustle and bustle of Trinity.
Knoops has over 20 different chocolate percentages, from 28% white to 100% extra dark. Choose your favourite, milk and any extras (we love the orange zest) and it’ll be whipped up into a smooth hot chocolate, a milkshake or an iced drink.
Knoops, Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HX.
Pinot & Picasso
As you may be able to tell from the name, Pinot & Picasso combines painting and wine for a damn good time. There are so many classes to choose from, be it Paint Your Pet or Mount Fuji, the Amalfi Coast or a neon Starry Night.
Grab a drink from the bar, don your apron and settle in at your station. The dedicated teacher at the front of your room will take you step by step through your painting, and you’ll be a dab hand in no time!
Pinot & Picasso, 22 Central Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DX.
Bavette
It’s hard to believe Bavette only opened at the beginning of this year. The French bistro has not only garnered recognition among the people of Leeds but was even named Britain’s best local restaurant by the Good Food Guide.
The food is delicious, the wine carefully curated and the service is second to none. The menu is seasonally led and changes every few months or so. One visit could see you tucking into a North Sea red bream, the next a caramelised onion tartlet.
Bavette, 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Underground Bakery
Not content with just their Otley shop, Underground Bakery finally brought their freshly baked goods to Leeds city centre this year. You’ll find them on Call Lane – remember this, because they’re bound to be your next go-to breakfast spot.
Almond croissants, savoury danishes and hunks of sourdough loaves are just a taste of the treats on offer, but we can’t get enough of the stuffed cruffins. Flavours change regularly, with past iterations including blueberry & lemon and strawberry & custard.
The Underground Bakery, 7 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7DH.
Boojum
The arrival of Ireland’s most loved burritos in Leeds marked a monumental day for the city’s foodies. Painted in colourful splashes of yellows, pinks and blues, Boojum is sure to draw you in, but it’s the food you’ll be staying for.
It’s a create-your-own kind of affair. First up, pick your rice and beans, before getting to the main fillings – we’re talking chicken, chilli con carne, barbacoa beef and so much more. Wrap it up with extras like salsa, guacamole and pickled onions and you’re on a roll.
Boojum, 92 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NG.
Raw Coffee
A cup of Yorkshire tea for just £1 – does it get any better than that? You can grab this and then some at Raw Coffee, the specialty coffee shop from husband and wife team Anya and James Adams.
They use their own ethically sourced coffee beans roasted in-house to whip up lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more. But don’t sleep on the matcha, especially with blueberry syrup.
Raw Coffee, 10 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.
Wingstop
Judging from the lunchtime queues that snake down Boar Lane, it’s clear that Wingstop has been well-received by the people of Leeds. The legendary American fast-food chain is your go-to for everything chicken, and there’s so much to choose from.
Tenders? Check. Boneless? Check. Loaded fries and burgers? Check and double-check! It’s their wings, though, that take the biscuit. Available in eight, 10 or 12 pieces, choose your flavour (it has to be the Louisiana rub for us!), smother it in sauce and dig in.
Wingstop, 61 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.
Livetts Coffee Shop
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This may have been a new opening that flew under your radar, but if you haven’t already, you have to check out Livett’s Coffee Shop. This secret hole-in-the-wall spot popped up next to The Wardrobe early in 2024.
It’s a given that they brew up tasty coffee, whether you fancy a steamy espresso or a smooth flat white, but be sure to grab a bite to eat too. We’re talking cookies, brownies and loaded sandwiches made with fresh Baltzersen’s bread.
Livett’s Coffee Shop, 6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.
Honey
One visit to Honey will transform you into a regular. What started as Amy Garth’s online shop found its home in Leeds Corn Exchange this year, and it’s packed to the rafters with beautiful hand-picked vintage clothing.
Every piece for sale in Honey has been hand-picked to fit with current trends, so whether you’re looking for a specific brand, style or item of clothing, you’re bound to find it here.
Honey, Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Holding Patterns
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The opening of Holding Patterns marked the arrival of Leeds’ first listening bar. The collaboration of the brains behind Hyde Park Book Club and Renaissance Hair & Beauty, this cosy little spot is decked out with a hi-fi system perfect for the regular programme of events from locally sourced DJs and guest selectors.
The space is kitted out for daytime workers looking for a coffee, or punters who fancy a cocktail-catch-up with friends. There’s even a nook with new and secondhand books available for purchase.
Holding Patterns, 2 Albion Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6JL.
Woodside
Woodside is the new bar from the team behind Leeds favourite The Brunswick. Sitting pretty right on the edge of the city centre, it’s quickly become the go-to spot for all things tasty food and drink.
Beer lovers will be well looked after with the likes of Guinness and Neck Oil on tap, but if you fancy a laidback cup of coffee, look to roasters Elsewhere Coffee. The food offering is certainly something to write home about too – the roast dinner is top-notch.
Woodside, 1 The Gateway North, Crown Point Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8BZ.
Rita’s
The disappointment was tangible when Walkabout closed its doors, but that didn’t last long as Rita’s Beerhouse & Ballroom soon moved in. It has retro charm in spades, with leopard print pool tables and funky neon signs.
If you’re a Margarita fan, you’re in luck, because Rita’s has them spicy or salty, classic or fruity. The same goes for their XXL pizzas, all made with fior de latte and San Marzano tomatoes.
Rita’s Beerhouse & Ballroom, 43 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS1 3HQ.
North Home
Okay, so it might not technically be new, but the transformation North Home has undergone makes it deserving of a spot in this list. The Nordic-inspired store has recently moved to its new County Arcade home, with flour floors of beautiful homeware to explore.
The showroom will feature regularly rotating displays, a gourmet food hall and a retail space akin to the existing shop. The extra space has enabled owners Kamil Wangin and Simon Hawkins to stock even more brands, including many that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Leeds or the wider region.
North Home, 42-44 County Arcade, Victoria Quarter, 10 Queen Victoria Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BE.
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