Check out some new restaurants, bars, and sporting treats gracing Leeds in 2023.
Things in Bread
Having opened on Boar Lane, Things in Bread is well worth checking out for any baked good aficionados. From the team behind the popular doughnut shop Doh’hut, the new sandwich branch is just around the corner from their first home. Check out some familiar favourites with a refined, inventive twist. Made using bread baked in house daily, sandwich fans can sample favourites such as the roast chicken on chunky white bread.
On Instagram @things_in_bread
Jamrock
Fans of West Indian cuisine are in luck as Jamrock has just opened on Kirkgate. Check out typical Jamaican favourites such as ackee and salt fish, the reggae salad, or try a bit of everything with the Jamrock salad. The restaurant also offers a Caribbean-style bottomless brunch on the weekends, from just £27.50 per person. Helmed by Jamaica-born Oral Blackford and promising good food, friends, and good times, this isn’t a place to be missed.
Welcometojamrock.co.uk
NQ64
This popular Manchester arcade bar is finally bringing its gaming delights to Leeds. With neon lights and retro arcade games aplenty, this is a great way to engage in some friendly competition with friends. The bar’s signature gaming themed cocktails includes the strawberry gin based Pac’s A Punch and the rum and absinthe based Mad Max, which can be enjoyed alongside games of the past like Mortal Kombat, Mario Kart, Pac Man, and Space Invaders, to name a few.
Nq64.co.uk
Martinez Wines
Martinez Wines have dominated the fine wine market in Yorkshire since 1979, with shops and wine cellar bars in Ilkley and Bingley. Now they’re hoping to open on Briggate. With over 700 wines available by the bottle with only a £8 corkage charge on top of shop prices, the bar will be serving drinks and authentic Spanish tapas.
Martinez.co.uk
Blue Pavilion
A luxury new Chinese restaurant is coming to the Merrion Centre in summer 2023, taking the spot of the former Picture House venue. Blue Pavilion is from the owners of Blue Sakura and will see them invest
£2 million in the project. Downstairs, a sophisticated 130 person dining room will be home to a modern takes on classic Chinese food classic as well as live entertainment. Upstairs, get to belt out your favourite tunes in a new seven room karaoke bar.
Bluepavilion.co.uk
La Strega Café
The former La Strega cafe on Fish Street made a splash in 2022 when a ghost sign of its former life as the Empire Cafe was found during renovations. The sign will stay as renowned Leeds chef Sam Pullan continues to transform this once-famous eatery into a new eatery this year. Sam has earned a glittering reputation for his work at The Bear at Carriages in Knaresborough and has plans to create an all-day venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Lastregacafe.co.uk
Thorpe Park Parklife
Thorpe Park will get a new community sports hub in 2023. It will be the first of four hubs to open across Leeds as part of the national Parklife programme, funded by a coalition of Premier League, the FA, and the government, and will be run by The Football Foundation. It will provide a place for football enthusiasts to learn the game with four public-use pitches on Green Park, alongside a new pavilion building which will have changing rooms and meeting rooms as well as other amenities.
Thorpepark-parklife.co.uk
The Melbourne
A new bar has popped up in the Oakwood in an area fast becoming north Leeds’ bar heaven. Run by the team behind The Brunswick on North Street known for good burgers, fried chicken, Sunday roasts and plenty of craft beer, there are games and live sport on the TV to enjoy.
On Instagram @melbourneleeds