The North’s Favourite Mexican is heading to Leeds. Madre will open two venues.
Leeds is getting a fresh taste of Mexico. Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar, taqueria and pool hall sibling, will open on 20 February. Madre – the vibrant, day-to-night Mexican restaurant – will open just around the corner.
The new openings mark the brand’s expansion into a third city, adding to its existing locations in Manchester and Liverpool. The founders – Sam Grainger, Owain Williams, Chris Edwards, Nud Dudhia and Chris Whitney – are also respectively the creative forces behind acclaimed venues such as Belzan, Doug’s, Winsome, Ambers, Sister Ray and Breddos.
By day, Madre is a 100 cover, laid-back spot for leisurely lunches. By night, it transforms into a buzzy Mexican restaurant serving everything from Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats. Expect Mexico’s world-famous culinary moments brought to life in an atmospheric dining room that delivers far more than just a meal.
Salon Madre, just around the corner, turns up the volume. Think tequila-fuelled nights, DJs, pool tables and Lucha Libre on the big screens. It’s fun, unpretentious and made for everything from date nights to big group get-togethers.
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre celebrates what Chilangos call sobremesa, the art of lingering at the table long after the last dish, relishing good company, conversation, drinks and laughter. A much-loved fixture in Liverpool and Manchester, where it’s earned rave reviews and industry acclaim, Madre now brings its signature spirit, flavours and energy to Leeds.
At Salon Madre, tequila and mezcal steal the show, with a drinks list stacked with frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas, palomas and more. The food menu is bold, playful and built for sharing – al pastor tacos, gringas, burritos and street food favourites picked up on the team’s travels.
@ThisIsMadre and @Salon.Madre
Address: 114 Wellington St, Leeds, LS1 1BA
