Leeds is set to explode with fresh flavors and chic styles as five dazzling new establishments prepare to open their doors! From Federal Café and Bar and House of Koko bringing sensational brunch to 34 Boar Lane and Central Road, to Straight Outta Nashville dishing out mouth-watering burgers on Dewsbury Road, and Alo Yoga landing high-end activewear in the Victoria Quarter, alongside Blank Street Coffee brewing specialty delights on Albion Street, the city is poised for an exhilarating transformation in 2025 and 2026.
What are the most exciting new restaurant and retail openings transforming Leeds in 2025 and 2026?
Five exciting new businesses are set to transform Leeds: Federal Café and Bar, Straight Outta Nashville, House of Koko, Alo Yoga, and Blank Street Coffee. These diverse venues bring standout brunch, gourmet burgers, high-end activewear, and specialty coffee, reflecting Leeds’ dynamic culinary and retail scene.
Leeds is on the brink of a vibrant new chapter as a host of innovative businesses prepare to open their doors across the city. From standout brunch spots to high-end retail, these fresh arrivals are set to inject renewed energy and variety into the local landscape. Whether your interests lie in coffee culture, gourmet burgers, or fitness fashion, Leeds’ latest batch of openings promise something for everyone.
Federal Café and Bar: Manchester’s Beloved Brunch Arrives in Leeds
The much-acclaimed Federal Café and Bar is expanding beyond Manchester for the first time, with a new venue set to open in Leeds. Originating in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, Federal has built a devoted following thanks to its blend of “delicious dishes and sensational service.” Known as a brunch hotspot where queues often form outside, Federal’s move signals growing demand for quality, community-oriented cafés in Leeds.
The new location will find its home on the ground floor of 34 Boar Lane, a recently revamped workspace and cultural destination in the heart of the city. This strategic placement will give city centre workers and residents an enticing lunch option during the week, while also providing a welcoming setting for leisurely weekend mornings. Federal’s commitment to sourcing “carefully selected ingredients from sustainable suppliers” underscores its dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility.
Federal Café and Bar is slated to open in autumn 2025, promising to diversify Leeds’ brunch landscape. Patrons can anticipate a menu featuring signature egg dishes, artisanal breads, and specialty coffees – all hallmarks of Federal’s current Manchester venues. For those curious about the Federal experience, “it’ll make a fantastic addition to lunchtime options for city workers and will also be ideal for enjoying slow weekend mornings.”
Straight Outta Nashville: Bringing Smash Burgers to Dewsbury Road
Another major arrival on Leeds’ culinary scene is Straight Outta Nashville, a smash burger sensation that has made waves in Salford since 2021. Known for their “mouth-watering burgers, loaded fries and fried chicken,” this eatery has quickly become a local favourite, and now Leeds is next on their list. The expansion is a testament to the city’s burgeoning food culture and its appetite for memorable, high-quality fast food.
The signature dish, the Jerry Heller burger, has already garnered cult status. As described, it consists of “two beef patties, onions, gherkins and a crispy fried chicken fillet” – a combination that has to be tasted to be believed. Straight Outta Nashville’s arrival is set to satisfy burger lovers eager for a fresh alternative to the established big names. And as stated in their introduction to Leeds, “you can never have too many quality burgers in one city.”
The new venue will open on Dewsbury Road in autumn 2025. This location is poised to become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Expect an array of indulgent options, from loaded fries topped with house sauces to fried chicken sandwiches, ensuring a broad appeal for foodies of all kinds.
House of Koko: Brunch Royalty Expands to City Centre
House of Koko, an institution in Chapel Allerton for coffee and brunch enthusiasts, is bringing its celebrated menu to a new city centre venue. This marks the third opening for House of Koko, which has earned a reputation for “cracking coffee, delicious cakes and brunch that will keep you coming back for more.” The brand’s dedication to quality and community has seen its existing venues bustling each weekend.
The menu features innovative and crowd-pleasing items such as the Hot Honey Habibti, Levantine eggs, and the adaptable Koko Brekkie. The diverse offerings, alongside the brand’s signature warm service, ensure that each new customer is treated as a regular. House of Koko’s welcoming environment and inventive dishes have cultivated a loyal customer base, and this expansion into the city centre reflects growing demand for sophisticated brunch experiences.
Set to open on Central Road in autumn 2025, House of Koko’s new location is expected to be a magnet for weekend gatherings and midweek escapes alike. Here’s a selection of favourite menu items to look forward to:
- Hot Honey Habibti – Spicy honey-drizzled brunch dish with Middle Eastern influences
- Levantine Eggs – Soft eggs with rich, aromatic spices and fresh herbs
- Koko Brekkie – A fully customisable breakfast plate for all tastes
Alo Yoga: High-End Activewear Comes to Victoria Quarter
Fitness enthusiasts and fans of luxury athleisure will soon welcome Alo Yoga to Leeds’ prestigious Victoria Quarter. Renowned for its “sleek activewear and loungewear that’ll take you from studio to street,” Alo Yoga’s Leeds opening marks the beginning of its expansion outside London, adding to the city’s growing roster of high-end fashion destinations.
Alo Yoga’s offerings are more than just apparel – they embody a lifestyle that blends health, comfort, and style. The brand’s existing stores are celebrated for their “chic, airy interiors,” making the in-store shopping experience as attractive as the clothing itself. The upcoming Leeds store is expected to maintain these high standards, offering a curated selection of performance-focused leggings, bras, and outerwear.
The new shopfront is set to open in 2026, taking its place among the luxury retailers of Victoria Quarter. Anticipation is high among local fitness devotees, who have been awaiting the arrival of an internationally recognized activewear brand. With the increasing popularity of yoga and athleisure wear in the UK, Alo Yoga’s timing could not be better.
Blank Street: Specialty Coffee Revolution Hits Albion Street
Blank Street Coffee, the New York-based chain famed for its “viral matcha concoctions and boutique brews,” is preparing to launch a new café in Leeds. Taking over the former Starbucks location on Albion Street, this will be Blank Street’s sixth UK site, signaling the brand’s continued rapid expansion throughout the country.
Blank Street’s formula combines high-quality specialty coffees with a boutique atmosphere, focusing on carefully selected beans and innovative drinks. The menu caters to a socially connected clientele, with options such as iced matcha lattes and trending signature beverages. The brand’s rapid rise is a testament to the city’s strong coffee culture and demand for uniqueness among café-goers.
While an official opening date has yet to be confirmed, planning applications for signage have been approved, setting the stage for a much-anticipated launch. When doors finally open, expect to see lines of eager coffee lovers ready to sample Blank Street’s celebrated drinks. Many are excited not only for the brand’s popular coffee blends but also for the distinctive NYC-inspired ambience it brings to Leeds.
Supplemental Data: Leeds’ Growing Appeal for Business Expansion
The addition of these five new venues reflects a broader trend of investment and innovation in Leeds’ city centre. Recent data from the Leeds City Council indicates that footfall and economic activity continue to rise, making the city an attractive proposition for both local entrepreneurs and international brands. Hospitality and retail sectors, in particular, have seen strong post-pandemic recoveries, with new openings helping to cement Leeds’ status as a culinary and cultural destination.
According to a 2023 report by LeedsBID, the city centre welcomed over 25 million visitors in the previous year alone, making it one of the busiest in northern England. This steady influx, combined with a young, diverse population, creates fertile ground for unique businesses like Federal Café, House of Koko, and Blank Street Coffee to thrive. Similarly, the retail landscape has evolved to accommodate high-profile brands such as Alo Yoga, which cater to rising demand for premium experiences.
For those tracking urban development, these openings demonstrate how Leeds continues to evolve. Each new arrival not only enhances the city’s offer but also reflects shifting consumer tastes – toward quality, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven choices.
- Federal Café and Bar, known for its brunch, is expanding from Manchester to open its first Leeds location on 34 Boar Lane in autumn 2025.
- Straight Outta Nashville, a smash burger sensation from Salford, is bringing its popular burgers and fried chicken to Dewsbury Road in Leeds in autumn 2025.
- House of Koko, a well-loved coffee and brunch spot from Chapel Allerton, is opening its third venue on Central Road in Leeds city centre in autumn 2025.
- Alo Yoga, a high-end activewear and loungewear brand, is set to open its first store outside London in Leeds’ prestigious Victoria Quarter in 2026.
- Blank Street Coffee, a New York-based chain famous for its specialty brews and matcha, will open its sixth UK site on Albion Street in Leeds.