The Cinnamon Collection, headed by Executive Chef and CEO Vivek Singh, is set to open its third Cinnamon Kitchen restaurant and its first in the North of England this May.
The 105-cover restaurant and bar will launch in partnership with the Grade II listed Queens Hotel in Leeds city centre. Featuring entrances from City Square and Leeds Station, the interiors, designed by Studio Sorana, draw inspiration from the grand first-class train waiting rooms of major Indian stations from the 19th century.
A grand railway clock takes center stage in the art deco main dining room, which features original high ceilings and decorative moldings complemented by wood paneling and rich textures like velvet and rattan. Large-scale mural wallpaper captures the Indian landscape as viewed from a train, while booths adorned with antique brass fittings evoke the elegance of luxury railway carriages.
The menu is crafted to take diners on a culinary journey, featuring dishes inspired by the 2,355-mile route of the Himsagar Express, which traverses 12 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Bhopal, and New Delhi.
Open for lunch, High Chai (afternoon tea), and dinner, the restaurant will showcase Cinnamon Kitchen’s signature style, blending modern Indian flavors with Western techniques to craft perfectly spiced, innovative dishes. Whenever possible, ingredients will be sourced from local Yorkshire producers.
The menu features dishes such as Masala Grilled Salmon, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie, along with a variety of chaats and plant-based options. Unique to Leeds, new offerings include Seekh Kebab in the Hole and a Yorkshire-style Curd & Cardamom Tart.
The destination bar, which accommodates up to 60 guests, will highlight spice-infused craft cocktails, as well as Asian beers, lassis, and non-alcoholic coolers.
Vivek 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 said: “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.”
The Leeds restaurant marks the sixth location for the Cinnamon Collection, joining The Cinnamon Club in Westminster, Cinnamon Kitchen in the City, Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea, and Cinnamon Bazaar in both Covent Garden and Richmond.
