Moods brings new life to Leeds' historic First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate

Kirkgate is one of the oldest streets in Leeds, and this summer it gained one of the city's most exciting new places to eat and drink. Moods opened on 31 July 2026 on the ground floor of the First White Cloth Hall, giving a new lease of life to a building often described as the place where Leeds began.

The hall was built in 1711 for the sale of white, undyed cloth, and some of its roof timbers are thought to date back to the mid-1470s. It spent more than 20 years on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register before a major restoration by Rushbond brought it back into use.

Moods is the creation of husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, who are also behind Buzz Club Tattoo and the hair and beauty brand self. Both of those businesses have moved into the upper floors of the hall, with Moods completing the ground floor.

In the kitchen is head chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, including time at L'Enclume and Fera at Claridge's. He has since worked at Manchester House and The Grand in York, and led his own venture, Craig Rogan at The Collective.

His cooking at Moods centres on British produce with subtle international influences. Signature dishes include a wild mushroom crumpet with Old Winchester cheese and black truffle honey, while the evening menu has featured violetta potato with ox cheek and bone marrow bearnaise.

The day starts with specialty coffee and in-house patisserie, moving through day dining to cocktails, wine and beer as the evening goes on. Events are part of the plan too, making the most of a space that feels both historic and thoroughly modern.

The opening phase offers around 124 covers across the café, bar and outdoor seating. A fuller restaurant and private dining spaces are planned from autumn 2026, which will take capacity to around 170.

It is a welcome sign for Kirkgate, a street that has seen a steady revival in recent years, and a chance for Leeds residents to see inside one of their most important buildings.

Moods is at the First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate, a short walk from Leeds Kirkgate Market, and it is worth following the venue online for updates as the restaurant phase opens.