Leeds is buzzing with excitement as several new venues are set to open, including The Glee, a 400-seat comedy club this spring, and Popeyes, the famous chicken chain coming to Commercial Street later this year. In 2025, the city will welcome NoNo Wine Bar and Hyatt, a luxurious hotel with a rooftop restaurant called Azotea, alongside innovative spots like Point Blank, a virtual shooting bar, and Bean Coffee, an independent coffee roaster, enriching its vibrant landscape.
What new venues are opening in Leeds?
Leeds is eagerly anticipating several new venues:
– The Glee: A comedy club with a 400-seat theatre-style setup, opening this spring.
– Popeyes: The fast-food chain known for crispy chicken, opening later this year on Commercial Street.
– NoNo Wine Bar: A wine bar featuring a diverse selection of wines, set to open in March 2025.
– Hyatt: A £62.7 million hotel offering a range of amenities, opening in spring 2025.
– Azotea: A Latin American restaurant located on the 12th floor of Hyatt, arriving in spring 2025.
– Point Blank: A simulated shooting bar with virtual ranges, opening later this year.
– Bean Coffee: An independent specialty coffee roaster, with a new outlet opening on Wellington Street in February.
Leeds is set to welcome a host of exciting new venues, each offering unique experiences ranging from comedy clubs to coffee shops. The city’s landscape is continually evolving, and the latest batch of openings promises to enrich the local scene with entertainment, dining, and accommodation options. Here’s a glimpse into what’s on the horizon.
Comedy and Chicken: The Glee and Popeyes
The Glee
A new beacon of laughter is set to illuminate Albion Street with The Glee. This comedy club, a stalwart in the UK’s entertainment scene for three decades, is opening its sixth venue right here in Leeds. According to Jack Spicer Adams, visitors can expect a 400-seat theatre-style setup, designed for an optimal comedy experience with top-notch lighting and acoustics. The Glee isn’t just about the laughs; it also boasts an extensive menu of food and drink to keep patrons sated throughout the show. Scheduled to open this spring, The Glee is sure to become a hotspot for both comedy aficionados and those looking for a night out in the city.
Popeyes
Brace yourselves for the arrival of Popeyes on Commercial Street, a brand that’s already tantalized taste buds in Wakefield and via ghost kitchens around Leeds. The fast-food giant is famed for its crispy chicken offerings, including tenders, wraps, and the iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. This venue marks the seventh location in Yorkshire, expanding the brand’s footprint and bringing its Southern flavors to the heart of Leeds. The grand opening is set for later this year, and it promises to be a game-changer for the city’s fast-food scene.
Wine and Stay: NoNo Wine Bar and Hyatt
NoNo Wine Bar
On Granary Wharf, a new chapter in Leeds’ wine narrative begins with NoNo Wine Bar. This establishment emerges as a passion project from Barrique Fine Wines, with a clear mission to provide an approachable venue for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and novices. The wine bar will have seating for 60 guests, offering the chance to sample a diverse selection of wines by the glass and purchase bottles to enjoy at home. Emphasizing new and emerging producers, NoNo Wine Bar is on track to open in March 2025, introducing a fresh and discerning wine destination to the city.
Hyatt
Hyatt is poised to be a cornerstone of Sovereign Square’s development. This £62.7 million project encompasses 305 bedrooms, catering to both short-term visitors and those seeking longer stays. The hotel is just a short three-minute stroll from Leeds station and offers guests a range of amenities including free wi-fi, continuous food options, a 24-hour fitness center, and serene outdoor spaces. Set to open in spring 2025, Hyatt is dedicated to providing an exceptional stay experience.
Culinary Heights and Virtual Sights: Azotea and Point Blank
Azotea
The 12th floor of the upcoming Hyatt Hotel will be home to Azotea, a restaurant that promises an unforgettable culinary journey through Latin America. The Hyatt Police note that the venue will feature dishes representative of 33 countries, from Mexican street food to Argentine steaks. Not only will the food be a draw, but with handcrafted cocktails, lively music, and an outdoor terrace offering impressive views of the city skyline, Azotea is set to become one of Leeds’ most anticipated openings of the year, arriving in spring 2025.
Point Blank
Point Blank is an innovative concept that will soon hit Leeds, transforming the former Honest Burgers site near Leeds Corn Exchange into a simulated shooting bar. As the third UK venue, following successful launches in Manchester and Newcastle, Point Blank combines a virtual shooting range with bar and kitchen services. The armory houses an array of replica guns, and guests can enjoy full table service in ranges that accommodate up to 10 people. Look out for its opening on Cloth Hall Street later this year, offering an experience that’s sure to be a talking point.
Coffee Culture: Bean Coffee
Leeds coffee scene is about to get a new player with Bean Coffee. This cafe is not merely a place to grab a quick drink; it’s an independent specialty coffee roaster. Known for their commitment to quality, Bean Coffee will serve up exceptional brews alongside fresh-baked goods, with beans available for purchase to savor at home. With successful sites across Manchester, Rochdale, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, the brand will be a welcome addition to Leeds. The first location opens on Wellington Street in February, followed by another in March 2025 at South Parade.
The diversity of these new establishments reflects the dynamic nature of Leeds, a city constantly in motion and embracing new trends. From entertainment and dining to accommodation, Leeds continues to expand its offering, promising residents and visitors alike fresh ways to engage with the city. As these venues prepare to open their doors, the excitement is palpable, signaling a vibrant future for this Yorkshire metropolis.
- Leeds is set to welcome The Glee, a 400-seat comedy club, opening this spring.
- The famous fast-food chain Popeyes will open a location on Commercial Street later this year.
- NoNo Wine Bar, a new wine destination, is on track to open in March 2025 at Granary Wharf.
- A luxurious Hyatt hotel, featuring 305 rooms and various amenities, is scheduled to open in spring 2025.
- Point Blank, a virtual shooting bar, is set to transform the former Honest Burgers site and open later this year.