North Star doubles down on Leeds with two new city centre openings amid hospitality slowdown

Independent specialty coffee roaster North Star Coffee Roasters has announced the opening of two new retail locations in Leeds this summer, marking a significant investment in physical hospitality at a time when much of the sector is facing sustained pressure.

The Leeds-born business, one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters, is expanding into both Great George Street and the historic Victoria Quarter, strengthening its presence in the city centre with two distinct formats designed for how people experience coffee today.

The move represents North Star’s most significant investment in retail to date, signalling a long-term commitment to bricks-and-mortar spaces despite rising costs and shifting consumer habits.

The Great George Street site will open as a takeaway-focused kiosk and retail store, designed for fast, high-quality coffee as part of the everyday city routine. Alongside specialty coffee, the space will serve house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes, and a curated selection of retail coffee, brewing equipment, and accessories, creating an accessible entry point into specialty coffee.

In contrast, the Victoria Quarter location places North Star within one of Leeds’ most recognisable architectural settings, positioning the brand at the cultural and commercial heart of the city. Set among the Quarter’s tiled arcades and heritage storefronts, the site reflects a more visible presence for the business within Leeds’ evolving food and drink landscape.

The announcement comes at a time when many hospitality businesses are scaling back or delaying expansion. For North Star, however, the decision is a deliberate response to continued demand for quality-led, independent experiences.

“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city’s community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters. “They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”

Founded in Leeds in 2013, North Star has spent over a decade helping shape the UK’s specialty coffee movement through a focus on transparent sourcing, long-term producer relationships, and quality-led roasting.

The new openings will expand customer access to the brand while also supporting job creation and internal progression within the business.

“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added. “Hospitality is ultimately about people – both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”

Both sites are expected to open in June 2026.