Lano Noodles Opens First Restaurant at Merrion Centre, Leeds 2026

Key Points

• New Culinary Offering: Lano Noodles, an independent authentic hand-pulled noodle restaurant, is set to open its very first location in Leeds city centre.
• Prime Location: The new venue will occupy a 2,150-square-foot unit across two floors on Merrion Way inside The Merrion Centre, situated directly opposite the First Direct Arena.
• Menu Highlights: The restaurant will specialise in freshly made hand-pulled noodles, authentic Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup, and traditional Chinese snacks.
• Dining Options: Service will cater to both dine-in customers and those seeking quick grab-and-go options.
• Economic Impact: The establishment of the restaurant will generate between seven and ten new jobs in the local area.
• Key Stakeholders: The property is owned by Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), whose estate management has welcomed the arrival of the new independent operator.

LEEDS (The Leeds Times) October 27, 2026 –The Merrion Centre in Leeds city centre is preparing to expand its food and beverage portfolio with the upcoming arrival of Lano Noodles, a new independent venue specialising in traditional hand-pulled Chinese noodles. The venue marks the inaugural restaurant launch for Lano Noodles Ltd, bringing a distinct regional culinary concept to the heart of West Yorkshire. Occupying a prominent unit spanning approximately 2,150 square feet over two floors, the establishment will feature a dual-service operational model offering both eat-in dining and takeaway services. The investment is anticipated to support the local job market through the creation of seven to ten new full-time and part-time positions.

Where Is Lano Noodles Opening and What Will the Venue Offer?

The new restaurant will be located along Merrion Way, directly opposite the First Direct Arena, placing it within a high-footfall zone frequented by eventgoers, university students, shoppers, and city centre office workers. Lano Noodles intends to offer an authentic dining experience centered on freshly prepared noodle dishes crafted using traditional hand-pulling techniques.

The menu will focus principally on Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup—a staple of northwestern Chinese cuisine noted for its clear broth, tender beef, and fresh hand-pulled noodles—alongside a selection of traditional Chinese snacks. According to the operators, the concept aims to provide a relaxed, informal atmosphere designed to cater both to time-sensitive commuters needing quick takeaway meals and groups looking for sit-down dining options.

What Did Town Centre Securities Say About the New Lease?

Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), the property investment and development company that owns and manages The Merrion Centre, expressed strong support for the lease agreement and the introduction of a new independent brand to its retail portfolio.

Charles Newman, Associate Director of Estates at Town Centre Securities PLC, stated:

“We’re delighted to welcome Lano Noodles to the Merrion Centre, particularly as the team has chosen Leeds for its very first restaurant.”

Newman highlighted the strategic advantages of the selected site along Merrion Way and its proximity to major city landmarks and transport routes. He further stated:

“Its location on Merrion Way, directly opposite the first direct bank arena, is perfectly positioned to attract a diverse mix of customers, from students and city centre workers to shoppers and eventgoers.”

Commenting on the suitability of the culinary model for the venue’s target demographic, Newman added:

“The combination of freshly prepared, authentic food, convenient grab-and-go options and relaxed dining is a great fit for this busy part of the city. It’s fantastic to see another independent operator investing in Leeds, creating new jobs and adding to our growing international food offering.”

Why Did Lano Noodles Choose Leeds City Centre for Its First Location?

The management team behind Lano Noodles Ltd indicated that the demographic diversity and consistent footfall of Leeds city centre were pivotal factors in selecting the location for their flagship site.

A spokesperson for Lano Noodles Ltd stated:

“We’re really excited to be opening our first restaurant at the Merrion Centre and introducing our freshly made hand-pulled noodles to Leeds.”

In outlining the rationale behind choosing The Merrion Centre, the representative for Lano Noodles Ltd noted:

“We chose the location because of its strong footfall and diverse customer base. We want to create a welcoming, informal space where people can enjoy authentic Chinese food, whether they’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a relaxed meal with friends.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming opening, the spokesperson added:

“We can’t wait to welcome our first customers and share the flavours of Lanzhou with the Leeds community.”

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Background to the Development

The opening of Lano Noodles reflects a broader ongoing effort by Town Centre Securities PLC to curate a varied international food and drink district within the Merrion Quarter of Leeds city centre. Over recent years, The Merrion Centre—one of the city’s longest-standing shopping and leisure destinations—has continually diversified its tenant mix, moving beyond traditional retail to incorporate a higher proportion of independent casual dining operators, regional eateries, and global street-food brands.

The immediate surrounding area on Merrion Way has undergone significant structural transformation over the past decade, driven largely by the opening and growth of the 13,000-capacity First Direct Arena in 2013, alongside substantial high-density student accommodation and commercial office developments. Consequently, the precinct has transformed into a major hub for evening economy leisure and daily student commerce.

The arrival of an independent specialist like Lano Noodles highlights the continued demand for distinct, regional Asian culinary concepts across major regional UK cities, particularly in locations anchored by large university populations and entertainment venues.

What Does This Development Mean for Leeds Consumers and the Local Leisure Sector?

The introduction of Lano Noodles into Leeds city centre is likely to impact several local stakeholder groups, ranging from casual diners and local residents to venue operators and event visitors.

• For Local Consumers and Students: The addition of a dedicated Lanzhou noodle specialist introduces a direct, authentic street-food concept currently underrepresented in the immediate area. For the sizeable student population attending nearby institutions such as the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, the availability of freshly made, affordable hand-pulled noodles with rapid grab-and-go capabilities offers an appealing weekday dining option.
• For Eventgoers and Arena Visitors: Situated directly across from the First Direct Arena, the venue provides a convenient casual dining spot for concertgoers seeking quick meals prior to evening events, potentially capturing pre-show traffic that might otherwise leave the immediate Merrion Quarter.
• For the Local Labour Market: The creation of seven to ten new roles provides employment opportunities within the local hospitality sector, supporting job seekers in the West Yorkshire area.
• For Commercial Landlords and Nearby Retailers: The successful recruitment of an independent debut brand reinforces commercial confidence in Leeds city centre’s hospitality market. Increased footfall drawn to Merrion Way by the new eatery could generate positive spillover effects for neighbouring retail, service, and leisure operators within The Merrion Centre complex.