New all-day cafe, bar and events venue set to open in historic Leeds Cloth Hall

A relaxed new all-day cafe, bar and events venue is breathing new life into one of Leeds city centre’s most significant historic buildings.

Moods will open to the public at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate next week, occupying the ground floor of the Grade II-listed building.

Created by husband-and-wife duo Will and Hayley Moody, Moods will bring speciality coffee, in-house patisserie, all-day dining and drinks together under one historic roof.

There are also plans to introduce a full restaurant and private dining offering from autumn.

"Leeds has been our home since university, and First White Cloth Hall felt like the kind of building you do not get a second chance with,” said co-founder Will.

“From the moment we saw it, we knew it could become much more than a studio home.

“Moods is about opening the ground floor up and giving people a reason to use the building from morning through to night, whether that is coffee, food, drinks, private events or simply a good catch-up with friends."

Moods will occupy the ground floor of First White Cloth Hall, which was built in 1711 for the sale of white, undyed cloth and has roof timbers dating back as far as the mid-1470s.

The building spent more than 20 years on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register before being brought back to life.

Upstairs, the Moodys will also bring together their other ventures - Buzz Club Tattoo and hair and beauty brand Self. - under one roof.

Hayley said: "I wanted Moods to feel special without feeling stiff. Luxurious, cosy and full of detail, but still somewhere you can drop in for a coffee, a pastry or a cocktail depending on the day you are having.

“The building already has so much character, so the design has been about adding warmth, comfort and personality without taking away from the history that is already there."

The kitchen is led by head chef Craig Rogan, who trained at Michelin-starred restaurants before launching his own venture, Craig Rogan at The Collective. He was crowned Chef of the Year in 2023 and won Best Fine Dining Restaurant in 2024 at the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards.

The drinks menu has been curated by bar manager David Harding, while Kirkstall Brewery leads a broad selection of draught beers and bottled options alongside international brands.

Harding said: "The drinks list is built around flavour, feeling and versatility. Wines that can work from brunch through to late night, cocktails that capture the first summer sun, and a beer selection that feels broad, interesting and easy to enjoy."

Moods opens on Friday, July 31, from 6pm for drinks and bar snacks, with all-day food service beginning on Saturday, August 1, from 8am.