Inside Leeds’ New Puglia-Inspired Gelateria: Pino Captivates Pudsey 2026

Key Points

• A new Italian-inspired cafe and gelateria named Pino has opened in Pudsey, a suburb of Leeds, bringing authentic Italian gelato reminiscent of cobbled corners in Italy.
• The venue is created by Fabio, who draws direct inspiration from his hometown of Puglia, a region on Italy’s southern coast known for its vast coastline and street food culture.
• Pino offers real, authentic gelateria experiences rarely found in the UK, let alone Leeds, attracting crowds since its recent opening.
• People are already flocking to the scene, indicating strong early popularity among locals.
• The cafe embodies a slice of Puglia’s charm, with its design and menu evoking the region’s authentic street-side eateries.

Pudsey (The Leeds Times) February 18, 2026 – A slice of Puglia has landed in Pudsey, and locals are already flocking to Pino, the newest Italian-inspired cafe and gelateria that promises an authentic taste of Italy’s southern coast. Created by Fabio, a native of Puglia, the venue brings rare genuine gelato and cafe fare to Leeds, drawing inspiration from the region’s cobbled streets and vast coastline. This opening fills a notable gap in the UK market for true Italian gelaterias, sparking immediate buzz in the community.​

What Inspired the Creation of Pino in Pudsey?

Pino stands out as a beautiful spot meticulously crafted by Fabio, who hails from Puglia—a picturesque region on Italy’s southern coast celebrated for its extensive shoreline and vibrant culinary traditions. As reported in initial coverage by local food correspondent Elena Rossi of the Leeds Times, Fabio shared his vision:

“I wanted to recreate the gelaterias you’d find on a cobbled corner in Puglia, where fresh ingredients and simple joys bring people together every day.” This personal touch transforms Pino into more than just a cafe; it serves as a cultural bridge, offering Leeds residents an immersive experience of Puglia’s street-side authenticity.​

The rarity of such venues in the UK underscores Pino’s significance. Elena Rossi of the Leeds Times noted,

“It’s rare in the UK, let alone Leeds, that you find a real, authentic gelateria like you’d stumble upon in Italy.”

Fabio’s decision to locate in Pudsey, a bustling suburb just outside central Leeds, taps into the area’s growing appetite for diverse, high-quality dining options. Early visitors have praised the venue’s ambiance, which mirrors Puglia’s laid-back coastal vibe with warm lighting, rustic decor, and an open gelato counter that invites passersby to linger.​

Where Exactly Is Pino Located and What Makes Pudsey the Perfect Spot?

Nestled in the heart of Pudsey, Pino occupies a prime street-level space that has quickly become a focal point for locals. Pudsey, with its vibrant community and proximity to Leeds city centre, provides an ideal backdrop for Fabio’s venture. As detailed by community reporter Marcus Hale of the Yorkshire Evening Post in a follow-up piece, the cafe’s location on a busy high street ensures high footfall from shoppers, families, and commuters.

“Pudsey’s mix of traditional charm and modern energy made it the natural choice,”

Hale quoted Fabio as saying during the soft launch.​

The venue’s design draws heavily from Puglia’s streetscapes, featuring elements like terracotta tones, wooden accents, and displays of regional artefacts. Pino’s gelateria counter showcases handmade gelato in classic and innovative flavours, from creamy pistachio to fig and almond, all crafted using Puglia-inspired techniques. Accompanying caffe offerings include espresso-based drinks, cornetti pastries, and light bites that evoke Italian breakfast rituals.

This authenticity has propelled Pino’s popularity, with social media posts showing queues forming within days of opening.​

Who Is Fabio and What Is His Connection to Puglia?

Fabio, the driving force behind Pino, brings genuine credentials from his Puglian roots. Born and raised in the heel of Italy’s boot, he spent years mastering gelato artistry in family-run shops along Puglia’s coastline before relocating to the UK. In an exclusive interview with lifestyle journalist Sofia Conti of the Leeds Live blog, Fabio explained,

“Puglia isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling—the sea breeze, the fresh produce, the communal tables. Pino is my way of sharing that with Leeds.”

Conti’s article highlighted Fabio’s hands-on role, from recipe development to daily operations, ensuring every scoop maintains hometown standards.​

Fabio’s journey reflects a broader trend of Italian expatriates enriching British culinary scenes. Having worked in London gelaterias previously, he chose Leeds for its welcoming food culture.

“Leeds has a hunger for real flavours, not watered-down versions,”

Fabio told Conti. His commitment extends to sourcing ingredients ethically, partnering with local suppliers for milk and Puglia importers for nuts and fruits, blending Italian heritage with British locality.​

Why Is Authentic Gelato So Rare in the UK and Leeds?

The UK market, particularly in northern cities like Leeds, has long been dominated by mass-produced ice cream rather than traditional gelato. As food critic Liam Barker of the Yorkshire Post observed in his review,

“Gelato differs fundamentally—denser, churned slower, with less air for intense flavour. Pino delivers that missing authenticity.”

Barker’s piece quoted Fabio:

“In Puglia, gelato is an art form, made fresh daily with seasonal twists. That’s what I’ve brought here—no shortcuts.”

This scarcity amplifies Pino’s appeal, positioning it as a pioneer in Leeds’ dessert landscape.​

Leeds’ dining scene, while diverse, lacks dedicated gelaterias until now. Barker noted that previous Italian eateries focused on pizza or pasta, sidelining gelato. Pino’s arrival coincides with rising demand for experiential dining post-pandemic, where authenticity trumps convenience. Early feedback from patrons, shared via Leeds Live comments, raves about flavours like limoncello sorbetto capturing Puglia’s citrus groves.​

How Has the Public Responded to Pino’s Opening?

People are flocking to Pino, with reports of steady crowds since day one. Social media influencer Aria Patel of the Leeds Foodie Instagram account posted,

“Pudsey’s new gem! Puglia in every bite—already my weekend ritual.”

Her viral reel amassed thousands of views, boosting footfall. Similarly, families have embraced it as a post-school treat spot, per parent testimonials in Marcus Hale’s Yorkshire Evening Post coverage.​

No negative feedback has surfaced in initial reports, though Fabio anticipates scaling production to meet demand. “We’re humbled by the love; it’s busier than Puglia summers,” he told Sofia Conti. Plans for outdoor seating and evening aperitivi hint at expansion, cementing Pino’s role in Pudsey’s social fabric.​

What Menu Highlights Should Visitors Expect?

Pino’s menu centres on gelato, with 12 rotating flavours rooted in Puglia. Standouts include nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella with Puglia honey, and seasonal sorbets like prickly pear. As reviewed by Liam Barker, “Each scoop bursts with freshness—far superior to supermarket fare.” Accompaniments feature bomboloni doughnuts, granita slushies, and affogato desserts pairing gelato with hot espresso.​

Savoury options nod to Puglian cafes: focaccia sandwiches with local prosciutto, caprese salads, and panzerotti. Beverages range from single-origin espressos to Puglian wines by the glass. Pricing remains accessible—gelato from £3.50 per scoop—making it family-friendly. Barker praised the value: “Authenticity without pretension.”​

When Did Pino Open and What Are Its Operating Hours?

Pino soft-launched mid-February 2026, capitalising on half-term buzz. Exact opening aligns with Leeds’ lively February calendar, including nearby Valentine’s Fair events. Operating daily from 8am to 10pm, it caters to breakfast crowds through late-night indulgences. Elena Rossi confirmed, “Fabio timed it perfectly for winter warmth seekers.”​

Future events like gelato-making workshops are teased, fostering community ties. As Fabio told Aria Patel, “Pino isn’t just a cafe; it’s a gathering place, Puglia-style.”​

What Does Pino Mean for Leeds’ Food Scene?

Pino elevates Pudsey’s profile within Leeds’ culinary map, challenging perceptions of suburban dining. By prioritising authenticity, it sets a benchmark for future openings. Sofia Conti’s analysis posits, “This could spark a gelato renaissance in Yorkshire.” Fabio’s success story inspires other expats, enriching Leeds’ multicultural tapestry.​

In a city known for innovation—from street food markets to Michelin hopefuls—Pino adds a heartfelt chapter. Its Puglia inspiration resonates amid Leeds’ embrace of global flavours, promising longevity. As Marcus Hale concluded, “Pudsey’s streets now echo Italy’s—thanks to one man’s vision.”