New Openings Foodies Need to Know About in January
Here's where to go in the North East and Yorkshire
Vinyl Grounds
Vinyl Grounds in Leeds has just begun to welcome its first guests, offering a super relaxed and moody interior where a great selection of wine and coffee is accompanied by an equally impressive collection of vinyls. Decompress over wine with friends, or watch the world go by in peace with something warm this winter.
30 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE
Wet
Understated and moody, Wet is York’s latest small plates venue offering batch-made cocktails, a changing wine list and a menu that keeps things simple with local, seasonal produce. Think rarebit soldiers, lamb sausage with labneh and ox heart with celeriac mash. They’ve also introduced a cracking Sunday lunch service.
110 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
INLAMENTATION
After more than a year of radio silence following the closure of Leeds’ Psycho Sandbar, Michelin-starred chef Michael O’Hare is set to return to Yorkshire’s food scene, this time in Boston Spa. His latest venture, INLAMENTATION, will offer an intimate experience with only 16 diners served per night, and is set to open early in 2026.
Boston Spa, Leeds
Johnny’s Bar and Parlour
Johnny’s Bar and Parlour is the new venture on Harrogate’s Montpellier Parade oozing old school charm, offering an eclectic mix of cocktails, wine and spirits. The food is just as classic, ranging from nibbles to large plates, with options like a medley of Guinness-braised mushrooms, steak tartare, and Dover sole.
30-31 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate HG1 2TG
Güs
Sheffield’s latest wellness space has just started to welcome its first guests. Güs blends a charming café with a sauna and ice bath experience. Your time in the sauna can be guided or unguided as you prefer, and afterwards you can warm yourself up with delicious, locally-roasted coffee and a sweet treat.
34 Cambridge St, Sheffield S1 4HP
Wear
A new business has recently welcomed guests in Sunderland, blending fashion with coffee. Wear, on Vine Place, offers a great range of second-hand clothing including labels like Barbour and Stone Island, as well as doubling as a café space with deli sandwiches, cakes, cocktails and craft beer.
7-8 Vine Place, Sunderland SR1 3NE
Wren
Wren in Ouseburn is the chic new bar from Anna Hedworth, bringing together the talent that we’ve all come to love from the Long Friday and Cook House team. The focus here is on excellent serves, but the bar snacks definitely will not disappoint.
Foundry Lane, Newcastle NE6 1LH
Neighbourhood
Local coffee heroes Neighbourhood in Newcastle are preparing to open a second location on St Mary’s Terrace in the heart of the city. While refurbishments are under way, you’ll find their coffee truck parked outside Monday to Friday from 8am serving exceptional hot drinks, ideal for the morning walk to work.
4 St Mary’s Terrace, Newcastle NE2 4PS
Frallo
In the heart of Houghton-le-Spring, Frallo is a new Italian steakhouse offering fabulous flavour and classic pub comforts. Though the menu centres around steak, you can also find stone-baked pizzas, pastas and a range of chef’s specials, plus a great range of wine and cocktails.
Seaham Road, Houghton-Le-Spring DH5 8LU
Book Club
Bookworms will be delighted to hear about the new Book Club café which recently opened inside Newcastle City Library. Tucked in a corner on the library’s second level, the space is bathed in natural light, and has a fun retro vibe, serving a good breakfast menu, sweet treats and coffee.
33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle NE1 8AX
Fretta by Ruhe
New to Sunderland’s Stockton Road is Fretta, younger sibling of Ruhe in Roker. Here, you’ll find plenty of healthy breakfast and brunch options as well as a great range of drinks – think iced matchas, speciality coffees and açai bowls – and keep an eye out for the seasonal specials.
38 Stockton Road, Sunderland SR1 3NR
Your Winter Covered
Avoid the midwinter slump this year with a trip to Booths. From fresh, local produce and exceptional meat, to tasty tipples and cheeky treats, they have everything you could possibly need to keep the pantry stocked this winter. Order online for ultimate convenience, and to shop the full range, where you’ll even find an excellent selection of recipes to keep you inspired in the kitchen.
orders.booths.co.uk
Time for Tea
Step into the elegant world of the National Railway Museum and indulge in a timeless afternoon tea experience. Within Station Hall you’ll find the Countess of York, a stunning restored rail carriage which serves as an intimate space for tea with friends. Relax as delicate tiers of afternoon tea arrive including traditional finger sandwiches, tarts, freshly baked scones and miniature sweet treats – all using local Yorkshire produce and made with the history of the railway in mind. Book ahead now for Valentine’s Day and enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco!
railwaymuseum.org/countess-york
Cosy Comforts
Winter calls for proper comfort food and at The Swine Bistro, a modern British bistro led by local, seasonal produce, quality is guaranteed. Formerly The Swine That Dines, this new iteration in Headingley is a celebration of simple yet elegant cooking. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or for something extra special hire their new private dining room and indulge in their fabulous Winter Feasting Menu with options like venison, red wine, bacon and prune pie, and chicken Ballotine with pork, pear, sage and onion.
theswinebistro.co.uk
