Sticks'n'Sushi to open in Leeds

Ever had that moment when you’re craving sushi, but your friend is absolutely not in the mood for raw fish? It’s a classic dinner dilemma. Well, it looks like Leeds is about to get the perfect solution. A seriously cool Danish restaurant group called Sticks’n’Sushi is set to open its doors early next year, making it the 18th one in the UK. They’re known for mixing Japanese food with a Scandinavian vibe, which sounds pretty interesting. The new spot will be part of the big Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which is all about breathing new life into some of the city's historic buildings. The official date is set for early 2027, which gives everyone plenty of time to get excited.

What's the story behind Sticks'n'Sushi?

The story of Sticks’n’Sushi is pretty cool. It was started back in 1994 by two half-Japanese, half-Danish brothers, Jens and Kim Rahbek, along with Thor Anderson. They kicked things off in a Copenhagen basement, and from there, it just grew and grew. Now, they have restaurants all over Denmark and even in Berlin and the UK. This new Leeds opening will be their 33rd restaurant in total, which shows they're doing something right.

A big part of their vibe is their team philosophy: “big smiles, small egos.” It’s all about creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. This approach isn't just about good service; it's a core part of their business strategy that makes people want to come back. The new Leeds site is expected to be no different, and it's even creating 60 new jobs for the local community.

A new look for Vicar Lane

The restaurant is moving into a seriously impressive building at 80 Vicar Lane. It’s a massive 8,839 sq ft, Grade-II listed property spread over three floors. This isn’t just any old restaurant space; it’s a place with history. To make it special, they’ve brought in the award-winning Berlin architects Diener & Diener to handle the design. The plan is to blend Japanese architectural ideas with a clean, Scandinavian look. Think minimalism, natural materials, and a calm, stylish atmosphere – a bit like a zen garden meeting modern Danish design.

The space itself sounds amazing. There will be a huge 220-seat dining room, so plenty of room for everyone. Plus, a 30-seat terrace. And if that’s not enough, there’s an upstairs bar with a space you can hire for private parties. The whole project is a significant part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which is all about bringing exciting new brands and life to the area.

“The arrival of Sticks’n’Sushi will further elevate the premium retail and leisure brands represented at Vicar Lane and across the wider area,” commented Charles Newman, Asset Management Director at Town Centre Securities PLC. “Sticks’n’Sushi’s international reputation and high-quality offer align with our long-term strategy of curating a best-in-class asset that enhances the appeal of the area as a key city centre destination.”

So, what's on the menu?

Now for the most important bit: the food. As the name suggests, it’s all about ‘sticks’ and ‘sushi’. The ‘sticks’ are things like yakitori – grilled skewers of meat and veg – which are perfect for anyone who isn’t a fan of raw fish. Then, of course, there’s the sushi, made with super fresh ingredients. This dual offering is a clever part of their strategy, making it a place where everyone can find something they love. The menu will be available à la carte or as part of generous set menus, and you can either dine in or get it as a takeaway.

Some of the standout dishes mentioned in the announcement include:

• Temaki Setto: This sounds like a lot of fun. It’s a DIY sushi hand-roll kit with luxury ingredients like lobster and wagyu tartare. It’s an interactive dining experience, perfect for sharing with friends and a dream for content creation.

• Maki Maki: A selection of four of their signature rolls, ideal for getting a taste of what they do best.

• Gindara No Miso: For those who love cooked fish, this is a must-try. It's a miso-glazed black cod that’s flaky, sweet, and savoury all at once.

• Shōyu Tebasaki: Essentially, these are some very fancy chicken wings, marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy. A definite crowd-pleaser.

To go with the food, there’s a great drinks list with everything from sake and Japanese teas to modern cocktails and premium spirits. They even have their own-label yuzu pale ale. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit that’s a bit like a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, so that sounds refreshing.

A part of the Leeds community

It's clear that Sticks’n’Sushi isn't just dropping a new restaurant in Leeds and hoping for the best. They seem genuinely excited to become a part of the city's vibrant food scene. The plan to create 60 new jobs is a significant contribution to the local economy and shows a real commitment to the area.

Andreas Karlsson, the Sticks’n’Sushi Group CEO, shared his enthusiasm:

“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.”

With successful restaurants already in cities like London, Glasgow, and Manchester, the brand has a proven track record in the UK. The new Leeds opening, scheduled for early 2027, is part of their continued northern expansion, and given their unique concept and commitment to quality, it’s set to be a fantastic addition to the city’s dining options.