Amidst the businesses we’ve lost and stories of hardship, we’ve celebrated dozens of fantastic new openings across the city in 2025.
From neighbourhood cafes expanding into the city centre and an independent bakery launching its biggest venture yet, to two Leeds pub giants collaborating to lovingly restore a historic boozer, these new restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars have all got us talking this year.
Here are 25 of the most exciting new openings of 2025 - that have changed our city’s food and drink scene for the better.
19. House of Koko
This much-loved neighbourhood cafe and brunch spot opened a new city centre branch in November, taking over the Central Road site that once housed Mrs Atha's. House of Koko has been a fixture of Leeds’ café culture since 2015 when it opened in Chapel Allerton and has become known for its Middle Eastern–inspired menus, exceptional coffee and design-led spaces. | House of Koko
20. Vinyl Grounds
Central Road saw another exciting new opening in November, welcoming this fantastic concept bar offering coffee and jazz vinyl during the day, before transforming into a wine, cocktail, and beer bar in the evening. It’s the ideal spot for a post-work drink soundtracked by classic albums. | Vinyl Grounds/Instagram
21. MAN ZEN
From the team behind Japanese restaurant TADA, this Asian-fusion restaurant opened in Headingley in December. Founder Thomas Chiang said the new venture is his “love letter” to his career, and serves Chinese dishes with a focus on “British fan favourites” such as salt and pepper chicken wings and sweet and sour prawns. It's located in the former TADA restaurant in Otley Road, after TADA moved across the road. | MAN ZEN
22. The Savvy Baker
Savannah Roqaa opened the doors to her eagerly anticipated cafe and bakery in Trinity Leeds in December, her biggest venture to date. The opening marked a major milestone for her Leeds-born brand, which began as a lockdown kitchen project and has since evolved into one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable independent bakeries. The shop includes an on-site cookie bakery and a dedicated matcha bar. | Steve Riding
23. Victoria & Commercial
Opened in December, this historic boozer on Great George Street has been lovingly restored by the teams behind Whitelock's and Kirkstall Brewery - pictured are Kirkstall Brewery's Steve Holt and Whitelock's Ed Mason. Guests can now enjoy a wide variety of cask and keg beers from Kirkstall's collection, Five Points Brewery, and a rotating lineup of guest breweries, alongside an impressive menu of wines, spirits, and cocktails. | Chris Hall
24. Federal
Federal, which is renowned in Manchester for its Australian-inspired brunches, opened its first Yorkshire site in December. Located in the recently refurbished 34 Boar Lane, opposite Trinity Leeds, the new café serves an all-day brunch menu featuring signature dishes such as French toast, steak and eggs, halloumi and shrooms, plus a rotating line-up of specials. | Federal