The Cinnamon Kitchen to open first Leeds site
The menu features dishes inspired by the 2,355-mile route of the Himsagar Express, spanning 12 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Bhopal and New Delhi
The Cinnamon Collection, led by executive chef and CEO Vivek Singh, is set to open its third Cinnamon Kitchen restaurant and its first in Leeds this May.
The 105-cover restaurant and bar is launching in partnership with the Grade II-listed The Queens Hotel in Leeds city centre. The interiors of the new restaurant, designed by Studio Sorana, are inspired by the first-class train waiting rooms found in major stations in India in the 19th Century.
Open for lunch, High Chai (afternoon tea) and dinner, the restaurant will offer Cinnamon Kitchen’s signature style with dishes that combine modern Indian flavours with Western techniques. Ingredients, where possible, will be sourced from local Yorkshire producers.
The menu features dishes inspired by the 2,355-mile route of the Himsagar Express, spanning 12 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Bhopal and New Delhi.
Dishes include Masala Grilled Salmon; Old Delhi Butter Chicken and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie alongside an array of chaats and plant-based options. New plates, specifically designed for Leeds include Seekh Kebab in the Hole and a Yorkshire-style Curd and Cardamom Tart.
Meanwhile, the bar, accommodating up to 60, will offer spice-infused craft cocktails alongside Asian beers, lassis and non-alcoholic coolers.
The Leeds restaurant is the Cinnamon Collection’s sixth site and joins The Cinnamon Club Westminster, Cinnamon Kitchen City, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden and Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond.
The restaurant will be recruiting for several roles, including Restaurant general manager, head chef, bartenders, servers, and chef de parties.
Singh said: ”We’re thrilled to be opening at The Queens Hotel. The heritage of this historic railway hotel perfectly complements our vision, with interiors inspired by some of India’s most beautiful first-class waiting rooms and a menu that takes diners on a culinary romp through 12 states. It’s a great time for Cinnamon Kitchen to open in Leeds in the same year that Bradford celebrates being UK City of Culture 2025.”
Alistair Campbell, general manager at The Queens Hotel, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Cinnamon Kitchen to The Queens, bringing new energy and a truly distinctive dining experience to Leeds.
“This beautiful space, with its unique history and period details, provides the perfect backdrop for a restaurant that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The vibrant and immersive concept will add something fresh and exciting to the city’s culinary scene, and we’re proud to be the home of Cinnamon Kitchen’s first venture in the north of England.”