The new chicken wing stop with a whole lot of personality.
Fried wings, craft beers and tequila flights, Leeds' Merrion Centre is about to get an exciting new foodie spot that promises to bring flavours aplenty to the city centre.
Named Cult Wing, the new dining space isn't your average fried chicken joint. Celebrating freedom and raw individuality, the new opening will be kitted out with bags of style through the funk decor, style of service and even the restaurant's menu.
Guests will relish in the opportunity to have their wings personalised to their own desired spice level (from mild to extra hot) as well as testing out unique flavours like 'Rock Chick Chipotle', 'BBQ Bones' and 'Skulldive Herb'- all of which give an idea of the cool rock and roll aesthetic expected from the new restaurant.
It's not just chicken wings that'll be on offer, though there will be plenty of those to choose from. The menu also encompasses an impressive variety of gourmet burgers, double-coated crunchy fries.
Image: Supplied (Space)
Set to make a firm impression, the punk-inspired restaurant is set to bring customers in day and night with a wide variety of beverages. Expect craft beers, themed cocktails and flavoured tequila, available on flights or as standalone shots.
Whilst the Cult Wing has confirmed that they will be opening in the future inside Leeds' Merrion Centre, the opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Charles Newman, Associate Director at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “This exciting, edgy and cool new independent operator is a great addition to our restaurant offering at the Merrion Centre.
"It’s location on Merrion Way opposite the 13.5k capacity first direct Arena, combined with direct access to the city’s ever growing student population makes this venue definitely set to shake up the food scene in Leeds.”
Much-loved Leeds Bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as The Swine That Dines, has moved to a bigger space in Headingley.
Although it’s gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals for some time now.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they’ve been operating out of North Street where it’s all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added ‘little bit of sunshine’.
But now Swine Bistro has moved up over to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
Image: Supplied
And the time has finally come for them to open their doors, as they announce their first service will take place on Friday 4 April with bookings open from today, Thursday 20 March.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
The expanded space in the restaurant has allowed the team to curate a bigger wine list which will include natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Image: Supplied
The team remains passionate about locally sourced ingredients and has partnered with a variety of Yorkshire suppliers including R&J Yorkshire for its fresh meat, Tarbetts fishmonger, cheese from George & Joseph cheesemongers and beans from micro roaster, Chipp Coffee Co.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant!”
New trendy coffee shop, Coffee Boy, set to open in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
Signs have gone up for a new coffee shop to open at The Light in Leeds.
If there's one thing we've got plenty of in Leeds, it's coffee shops. But another one can't hurt...can it?
Well we are about to find out, as signage has sprung up on The Headrow outside The Light for a new coffee shop named 'Coffee Boy'.
The brand has cafes in Castleford, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Glasgow - and now they've set their sights on Leeds City Centre.
And it's not just coffee they'll be serving up, from what we can see they're pros of whipping up outrageous milkshakes with seasonal toppings as well as indulgent bakes and refreshing smoothies.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Describing themselves on their website, Coffee Boy says they're "A fresh and funky new coffee shop experience, offering quality food and drink at affordable prices served by friendly, passionate people."
Sounds pretty great if you ask us.
The opening comes after listed building consent was given for the construction of the new cafe, including the installation of signs and changes to the layout of the Grade II listed building.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The report said: "It is considered that the proposed coffee-shop fit-out and new signage would be in character with the building and not harm the special interest of the listed building.”
No official opening date has been announced, but from what we can see outside progress is being made so hopefully we won't have long to wait.
Sophie Smith -
28th June 2022 
