From a new cocktail bar and viral Manchester brunch spot to an independent coffee laboratory and a new Corn Exchange shop, there are plenty of new openings coming to Leeds.
Leeds is welcoming a host of new independent businesses and familiar names, with some really exciting new bars, cafés, restaurants and shops arriving across the city.
From a new venture from the team behind some of Leeds’ best-known cocktail bars to a new home for an artist who has spent eight years trading online, here are six new openings to look out for.
Caffeine Addict
Credit: Caffeine Addict
Independent coffee brand Caffeine Addict has launched its second location at 10 Swinegate, following the success of its Headingley coffee shop. Designed to resemble a secret laboratory, the new café combines speciality coffee, experimental brewing techniques and bold, chemistry-inspired interiors.
The team is currently in ‘Lab Mode’, using the soft launch to refine recipes, train staff and perfect the customer experience. Alongside classics such as flat whites and cappuccinos, expect signature creations including Black Snow Espresso Slush, Cold Drip Coffee, Coffee Flights, Tiramisu Lattes and Affogatos.
Where: 10 Swinegate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AG.
When: Open now.
Find out more: Caffeine Addict
Good to know: The food offering is as good as the coffee – check out the weekend brunch options – and if you need cooling down, the affogato is a shot of espresso over creamy soft serve ice cream.
The Bookseller’s Arms
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One of Leeds city centre’s best-loved community bars is entering an exciting new chapter.
Formerly known as The Bridge End Social, the venue on Bridge End is being transformed into The Bookseller’s Arms following new investment. The refurbishment introduces a literary theme, with bookshelves throughout the bar and a fresh new look, while keeping the welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favourite with regulars.
The venue has remained open throughout the refurbishment, with the full transformation expected to be completed by mid-August.
Where: 24–32 Bridge End, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4DJ.
When: Mid-August.
Find out more: The Bookseller’s Arms
Good to know: Despite the new name and look, the team says the venue will continue to host its much-loved community events, including Leeds First Friday, one of the UK’s largest monthly socials for transgender and non-binary people.
Paper Plane
© Copyright Leeds-List 2026
The team behind some of Leeds’ most celebrated bars is preparing for another exciting launch.
Paper Plane will open inside the former Casa site in Grand Arcade this autumn, bringing a glamorous 1970s-inspired concept to the city centre. The intimate 40-cover venue will be a vinyl-only listening bar, pairing carefully selected records with a globally inspired cocktail menu and an impressive whisky collection.
Given the success of Roland’s and The Domino Club, expectations are already sky-high.
Where: Grand Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.
When: Autumn 2026.
Find out more: Paper Plane
Good to know: The venue will feature vinyl records exclusively, creating an immersive listening experience inspired by the golden age of 1970s air travel.
Bruncho
Credit: Bruncho
One of Manchester’s biggest brunch success stories is making the journey across the Pennines.
After attracting queues outside its cafés and racking up hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, Bruncho has confirmed it will open its first location outside Manchester in Leeds. The café has become famous for its towering French toast (especially the viral, limited edition Labubu French Toast), Turkish eggs, speciality coffee and beautifully presented brunch dishes.
Leeds diners can also look forward to exclusive menu items created especially for the new café.
Where: Leeds city centre (location to be announced).
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Bruncho
Good to know: Bruncho’s signature dishes include its towering French toast, Turkish eggs and coconut matcha, with exclusive menu additions planned just for the Leeds opening.
Alfonso’s Deli
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
One of Leeds’ favourite independent sandwich shops is expanding.
After building a loyal following in Grand Arcade, Alfonso’s Deli is opening a second location in Horsforth. The independent deli has earned a reputation for its toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels, with many customers regularly finding favourites sold out by lunchtime.
The new opening will bring its Miami-inspired menu to a whole new neighbourhood.
Where: Horsforth, Leeds (exact location to be confirmed).
When: Autumn.
Find out more: Alfonso’s Deli
Good to know: The Cubano sandwich has become the deli’s signature dish, while the menu also features authentic Cuban coffee and freshly made breakfast bagels.
Art By Arjo
Credit: Charlie Portraits
Leeds Corn Exchange is set to welcome a new physical shop for Art By Arjo, following eight years of online trading, markets, pop-ups, events and trade shows.
Arjo creates hand-drawn prints inspired by favourite places, including football stadiums, cityscapes, famous landmarks and iconic buildings. The prints are designed as wall art or unique gifts.
The new shop will give customers the chance to browse the collection in person, adding another creative independent business to the Corn Exchange.
Where: Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
When: 1st September.
Find out more: Art By Arjo
Good to know: Art By Arjo specialises in hand-drawn prints of places, including city maps, football stadiums and some of Yorkshire’s best-known buildings and landmarks.
