Leading Indian chef Vivek Singh opens his first restaurant in northern England next week – a branch of his Cinnamon Kitchen at the Queens Hotel in Leeds city centre.
Facing Leeds station, the new venture takes its inspiration from the Himsagar Express, a weekly rail service that crosses India from north to south, a distance of 2,355 miles with 73 stops in 73 hours.
Vivek has five restaurants in London, including his flagship Cinnamon Club in the grand former Westminster Library, hailed in the 2025 Harden’s guide for its ‘fine cooking characterised by restrained spicing’. The cuisine at his two Cinnamon Kitchens is more straightfowardly described as ‘delicious’.
Vivek said: “Opening our first restaurant in the North is a big moment for us. Those that know our restaurants will also know our love for iconic spaces, and in that regard there can be very few locations more iconic than the Queens Hotel in Leeds.
“Leeds is a city with a real appetite for bold, exciting food and a buzzing hospitality scene that we’re proud to now be part of.
“Cinnamon Kitchen is all about reimagining Indian cooking in a modern, creative way, celebrating local seasonal produce, and our new menu showcases a host of new dishes celebrating local ingredients from the region.”
Diners can expect signature Cinnamon Kitchen dishes like Masala Grilled Salmon, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie. These will run alongside Leeds exclusives such as Seekh Kebab in the Hole and Curd & Cardamom Tart. The drinks list features spice-infused cocktails, lassis, Asian beers and refreshing non-alcoholic coolers.