Sticks’n’Sushi is coming to Leeds

Leeds is getting its first Sticks’n’Sushi, with the Danish-Japanese brand confirming it’s heading to the city centre next year.

Set to open on Vicar Lane as part of the ongoing regeneration of the area, the restaurant will take over an 8,839 sq ft Grade II-listed building, spread across three floors. Plans include a 220-cover dining room, a 30-cover terrace, and an upstairs bar.

Founded in Copenhagen by half-Japanese, half-Danish brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek alongside Thor Anderson, Sticks’n’Sushi is a Danish brand serving Japanese food, with a growing footprint across Europe and 16 UK sites already up and running. Leeds will mark its 18th UK restaurant, which says a lot about the pace they’re moving at right now.

The concept is exactly what it sounds like. Sushi alongside grilled skewers, with a menu built around sharing. Expect sashimi, maki and nigiri sitting next to charcoal-grilled meats, plus a mix of set menus if you don’t want to overthink it.

Leeds will become home to all the Sticks’n’Sushi favourites including Ebi Bites (tempura shrimp with miso aioli, lime and chilli), Shōyu Tebasaki (chicken wings marinated in garlic, ginger and soy), miso-glazed black cod, shrimp in gochujang butter plus their incredible sushi selection.

Drinks are just as considered, with sake, Japanese teas, cocktails and a yuzu pale ale brewed under the brand’s own label, alongside a tight wine list.

It’s another big name joining the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which is quickly becoming one of the more interesting parts of the city for new openings.

Speaking on the move, CEO Andreas Karlsson commented: “We are delighted to be joining this development; Vicar Lane is one of the most vibrant retail and leisure hubs in Leeds and aligns perfectly with our dining experience from lunch through to late evening.

"We look forward to building a new team and becoming part of the Leeds community.”

We don't know the exact opening date just yet, but it’s expected to land early next year. And when it does, it’s unlikely to stay quiet for long.