From an alpine-themed party bar and a new Mexican restaurant to independent fashion boutiques, a self-portrait photography studio and a new brunch spot, there are plenty of new openings coming to Leeds.
Leeds is welcoming a fresh mix of independent businesses and well-known brands this autumn, with new food and drink spots, fashion stores and creative experiences arriving across the city.
From a new home for a much-loved Horsforth Mexican restaurant to a designer fashion store and an independent café serving brunch, here are the new openings to know about in Leeds this autumn.
Barbara’s Bier Haus
Credit: NEOS Hospitality
An après-ski party bar is taking over the former Revolución de Cuba site on Call Lane, bringing an alpine-inspired night out to Leeds city centre. Barbara’s Bier Haus promises themed DJs, bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis and interactive entertainment, alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and bratwursts.
The Leeds venue is the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK. It’s operated by the same group which also runs venues including Bonnie Rogues and Circuit. Guests can also sign up for a Ski Pass to access exclusive perks and experiences across the brand’s UK locations.
Where: 64–68 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.
When: October 2026.
Find out more: Barbara’s Bier Haus
Good to know: Leeds has a huge range of bars but this should be something pretty unique – an après-ski atmosphere, with themed entertainment and German-inspired food and drink.
The Crossing Indian Bistro
Credit: The Crossing
Chapel Allerton has welcomed The Crossing Indian Bistro, a restaurant celebrating the diversity of India’s regional cuisines. Founded by chef Ankur Chakraborty, the international brand takes inspiration from the Indian railways, which connected communities and helped recipes and ingredients travel between regions.
The menu goes beyond familiar curry-house favourites, with dishes including Railway Lamb Curry, Alleppey Prawn Curry and Madras Mutton Pepper Fry. There are also smaller plates, vegetarian options and traditional-inspired desserts.
Where: Regents Court, 33–39 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PD.
When: Now open.
Find out more: The Crossing Indian Bistro
Good to know: For lunch, go for the great-value £15 thali which includes a main curry, rice, bread, dal, vegetables, raita and pickles, offering a chance to sample several flavours in one sitting.
Fern Modern Sushi 2
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Chef Fern is expanding her Leeds restaurant business with a second site, following the success of Fern Modern Sushi in Central Arcade. Lattawan Buchanan, better known as Chef Fern, has built a following for her food which, as well as many loyal locals, includes several Leeds United players.
The new restaurant is planned for Russell Street in the city centre. It will offer the existing Fern menu alongside additional dishes, plus a new cocktail menu. An open-plan kitchen and regular tuna-cutting demonstrations are also planned, giving diners a closer look at the preparation behind their meal.
Where: Russell Street, Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, LS1.
When: End of October 2026.
Find out more: Fern Modern Sushi
Good to know: The restaurant is expected to have just 50 spots, including a private dining area, so keep an eye out for booking details.
Snap Studio
Credit: Snap Studio
A new self-portrait photography studio in Horsforth is putting you in control of the camera. Snap Studio offers a different take on the traditional photoshoot: there’s no photographer, just professional equipment, lighting and a remote control, with images appearing on screen as you take them.
The idea is to make professional-quality photography feel relaxed and accessible, whether you’re looking for pictures with your partner, family, friends or even pets. It could also suit maternity shoots, celebrations, content creators and small businesses.
Selected packages include access to a Prep Suite, where you can get ready, enjoy drinks and snacks and play your own playlist before the session.
Where: 97a New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4QD.
When: Now open.
Find out more: Snap Studio Leeds
Good to know: You control the shoot yourself, so you can experiment with poses, change outfits and take your time without a photographer watching.
BAR Events Leeds
Credit: BAR Events
The former Chow Down site is getting a new lease of life as BAR Events Leeds, an outdoor event space from Yorkshire-based BAR Events UK. Its opening programme centres on Oktoberfest, with a giant teepee beer hall, live Oompah bands, German street food and beer served in traditional two-pint steins.
The Oktoberfest celebration runs throughout October, with sessions from Thursday to Sunday. Beyond the opening event, the team plans to host themed pop-ups throughout the year, while making the venue available for private parties, corporate functions and community gatherings.
Where: Temple Arches, Globe Road, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5QG.
When: Open now.
Find out more: BAR Events UK
Good to know: Oktoberfest tickets start from £5, with different sessions available across the weekend.
Hooleos Mexican Café Bar
Horsforth favourite Hooleos is expanding into Leeds city centre, taking over the former FINT restaurant on Great George Street. The family-run Mexican café bar has built a loyal local following, who love it for its menu centred on Mexican flavours, friendly service and lively atmosphere.
If you haven’t visited the Horsforth site, the menu includes tacos, enchiladas and moles, alongside spicy margaritas for those who like a little heat in their glass. The business also received recognition for its customer service at the Oliver Awards earlier in the year.
Its city-centre arrival offers another independent option for a casual meal, drinks with friends or a more leisurely Mexican feast.
Where: Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Hooleos Mexican Café Bar
Good to know: If the original restaurant in Horsforth is anything to go by, we recommend the passionfruit margaritas!
ARNE
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Online fashion brand ARNE is expanding its physical retail presence with a new store at Victoria Leeds. Founded in 2018 by brothers Ryan and Reece Broadhurst, the brand began with menswear before growing to include womenswear and footwear.
The 3,658 sq ft store in Victoria Quarter will bring the brand’s full range to shoppers in person, offering an alternative to browsing its collections online. Its arrival follows the opening of ARNE’s first permanent store at Liverpool ONE followed by a site in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, as the business continues to build its presence on the high street.
Where: 13-15 King Edward Street, Victoria Quarter, Victoria Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BT.
When: November 2026.
Find out more: ARNE
Good to know: The store will stock menswear, womenswear and footwear, making it a perfect place to visit to browse the brand’s complete collection.
Tahin
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Turkish restaurant Tahin has just reopened in Leeds city centre after its previous home inside The Core shopping centre closed ahead of the building’s demolition and we’re excited to welcome back this much-loved restaurant for its next chapter.
The family-run business is known for its Turkish and Middle Eastern-inspired food, including lahmacun wraps – made with thin, flatbread-style dough – and shawarma wraps, served with its signature tahini sauce.
Where: 10 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BY.
When: Open now.
Find out more: Tahin Leeds
Good to know: Customers loved the previous site for its Turkish tea and friendly service, so it’s great news for the city to have Tahin back.
2nd Academic
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Independent menswear boutique 2nd Academic is bringing its collection back to its roots with a new shop in Thorntons Arcade. The brand has announced the opening as a new chapter for the business, thanking the customers, suppliers and independent brands that have supported it along the way.
The historic arcade provides a fitting home for a store focused on independent retail. Visitors can browse the collection in person rather than shopping online, while supporting a Leeds business with an established connection to the city.
Where: 3 Thorntons Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LQ.
When: Open now.
Find out more: 2nd Academic
Good to know: Give yourself plenty of time if heading to Thorntons Arcade to check out 2nd Academic – there are so many other great shops and cafés to explore!
Brew
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A new independent café is set to open on The Headrow, bringing a brunch-focused menu to Leeds city centre. Brew is planning to serve everything from brunch favourites to lunch options and later-day dishes, with ambitions to offer even more once it’s established.
There are plans for a Sunday roast, too, while an evening menu is expected to launch a few nights a week after an initial soft-opening period. It sounds like one to watch if you’re looking for a new spot for a leisurely brunch, a midweek lunch or a Sunday catch-up.
Where: The Headrow, Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, LS1.
When: November 2026.
Good to know: Its location will make it perfect as a stop-off for a hot drink if you’re working near Park Square or have just paid a visit Leeds Art Gallery.
Michael Kors
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Fashion lovers will soon have another reason to visit Victoria Quarter, with American designer brand Michael Kors preparing to open a new Leeds store. Signs have appeared at a vacant unit announcing the arrival, with the retailer confirming that the shop is currently under construction.
Known for its handbags, accessories, watches and ready-to-wear collections, Michael Kors will add another internationally recognised name to Victoria Leeds’ fashion offering. The new store is expected to open in November, giving shoppers another option for browsing the brand’s collections in person.
Where: Victoria Quarter, Victoria Leeds, Leeds city centre.
When: November 2026.
Find out more: Michael Kors
Good to know: If you’re looking for Michael Kors products before the new store opens, you can find them in John Lewis or Harvey Nichols.
