New rooftop cocktail bar Agni to open in Leeds

New rooftop destination Agni is set to open within Keralan restaurant UYARE by Tharavadu in Leeds in the spring.

Designed to be an immersive drinking experience, Agni – meaning ‘fire’ in Sanskrit and Hindi – will have a cocktail menu curated in collaboration with mixologist Filippos Filippopoulos from Tabula Rasa. Filippopoulos draws inspiration from the five elements of life, beginning with the concept of Agni, with each season unveiling a new sensory journey. 

Filippopoulos, who hails from Greece, has over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry across the UK and Greece. In 2021, he launched Tabula Rasa, an all-day café and cocktail bar which transitions from serving Union coffee and pastries in the morning to offering aperitivo and small plates in the evening, culminating in cocktails accompanied by cheese and cured meats at night.

He drew inspiration from renowned establishments in Athens and New York, aiming to introduce Leeds to a “dynamic” day-to-night service model. 

The inaugural menu will centre around fire, a nod to both Agni’s namesake and the “passion” behind its drinks, which will be served in a “theatrical” way. Each element’s menu will feature three signature serves, including a crafted mocktail. 

Eshaan Kapoor, drinks buyer and operations director of UYARE by Tharavadu, said: “The core of Tharavadu is built on friendship—five friends who started this journey together, and with UYARE, more friends are joining our family.

“In addition to running one of the top 15 cocktail bars in the country, Filippos is the most talented mixologist I have ever met. My relationship with Filippos is rooted beyond friendship, and I am honoured that he has graciously joined our family as a Drinks Consultant. His expertise will allow our guests to enjoy an elevated drinking experience, with each cocktail telling a unique story.”