Liverpool tea room and creative space LEAF to expand to Manchester

LEAF is a well-regarded tea shop/bar (pictured) in Liverpool, which since its opening in 2007, has become a major part of the city’s food and drink scene. It has received awards and plaudits by The Times, the Guardian and the Independent. Good news for Manchester then, as LEAF is setting up a branch here, which will open sometime in summer. The new venue is 113-115 Portland Street, the building that formerly housed Cube Gallery. LEAF is likely to be a suitable replacement, as it will be cultural hub: hosting exhibitions, concerts, open mic nights, classes and film screenings. On the food and drink side, it will sell a huge variety of loose-leaf teas, wine, exotic curries and falafel flatbreads. LEAF is most recent arrival at Bruntwood’s ‘West Village’ development, which houses a number of creative businesses in four converted Victorian warehouses.

Opening this summer, LEAF Manchester, 113-115 Portland Street, M1 6DW, www.thisisleaf.co.uk