Business is booming in Leeds! If you haven’t already noticed, there’s a wave of exciting places opening their doors to the locals and breathing new life into the city. These first few months are always some of the most vital to any budding enterprise, so let’s all throw some support their way. Here’s a list of some of the freshest venues for you to try while out and about in the city.
EMPIRE CAFÉ
Okay – we’ll be honest, this one has been open for a few months now, but it’s just too good to pass over. Empire Café represents the past, present, and future of Leeds, combining tradition with modernity in their new venue on Fish Street. Their location has a rich history surrounding food: it hosted 17th century market stalls, 19th century diners, and now 21st century patrons who stumble upon the little gem that’s hidden away in the winding alleys between Vicar Lane and Briggate. All that history is infused into their menu. From rotisserie chickens cooked on their ‘wall of flame’, to veggie-style mixed grills, you can tuck into their locally sourced dishes and know that you’re eating food that has been a hit amongst Leeds residents for hundreds of years. That’s what I call reliable service.
JAMROCK
This brand-new restaurant on Kirkgate is dedicated to bringing a taste of the Caribbean to the North of England, and we couldn’t be happier. Jerk chicken, curried goat, ackee & saltfish – all the big hits of the Americas have landed on Jamrock’s menu, and they’re accompanied by great beers and specially curated cocktails. Designed with authenticity in mind, Jamrock’s mission is to unify through food & good times – and what more could we ask for than that? Everything fits together seamlessly, making the Jamrock experience a truly unique one. Book your table now and spend a few hours getting a feel for the Caribbean culture. Fair warning though: you may find yourself not wanting to leave!
XCV BAR
It all seems to be kicking off on Kirkgate. XCV has also landed on this iconic street, taking over from the previous Untold Bar and setting themselves up as the place to be for a weekend in Leeds. Cutting edge, vibrant, and undeniably cool, this bar was built to tick boxes. You’re guaranteed a great night from the moment you step through the doors. And come on – there’s nothing that says ‘new fave spot’ like a £2.95 lager, available during their happy hour. Even better: you’re in with a chance to win free shots if you can shoot a hoop into the basketball net. With all these great deals in place, XCV is easy on the wallet, while still maintaining a high calibre atmosphere. Just make sure to wear your nice pair of shoes, as they’re not a fan of casual dress!
OLIVE & THAI
Situated beside its famous sister café, Olive & Thai places emphasis on capturing the essence of Thailand in every dish on their menu. With an award-winning chef at the helm, this restaurant has already established itself in the big leagues of Thai dining in Leeds, and it’s only going to become more renowned as time goes on. A warm, intimate dining area is complimented by equally warm wait staff and creates an atmosphere that you can’t help but want to go back to. Right now, they’re offering a celebratory opening menu, where you can get a starter, a main, and a glass of fizz for only £12.50. Some things in life are just too good to miss out on, and Olive & Thai is certainly one of them.
Images- @empirecafeleeds, @xcvleeds, @jamrock.leeds
