The Cinnamon Collection, led by Executive Chef and CEO Vivek Singh, is set to open its third Cinnamon Kitchen restaurant and the first in the north of England.

The 105-cover restaurant and bar is launching in partnership with the Grade II listed The Queens Hotel in Leeds city centre. With an entrance on City Square, as well as via Leeds Station, the interiors by Studio Sorana are inspired by the grand first-class train waiting rooms found in major stations in India in the 19th century.

A grand railway clock dominates the art deco main dining room with the original high ceilings and decorative mouldings married with wood panelling and textures, including velvet and rattan. A large-scale mural wallpaper mimics the Indian landscape as seen from a train whilst booths, complete with antique brass fittings, are reminiscent of luxury railway carriages.

Open for lunch, High Chai (afternoon tea) and dinner, the restaurant will offer Cinnamon Kitchen’s signature style with dishes that marry modern Indian flavours with Western techniques to create perfectly spiced innovative plates. Ingredients, where possible, will be sourced from local Yorkshire producers.

Inspired by the 2,355-mile route of the Himsagar Express, spanning 12 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Bhopal and New Delhi, dishes include Masala Grilled Salmon; Old Delhi Butter Chicken and Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie alongside an array of chaats and plant-based options. New plates, specifically designed for Leeds include Seekh Kebab in the Hole and a Yorkshire-style Curd & Cardamom Tart.

The destination bar, accommodating up to 60, will put the spotlight on spice-infused craft cocktails alongside Asian beers, lassis and non-alcoholic coolers.

”We’re thrilled to be opening at The Queens Hotel,” says Singh. “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.”

“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,” concludes Alistair Campbell, General Manager at The Queens Hotel. “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.”