It’s definitely gelato season, and we’ve found a gorgeous little spot just outside Leeds selling some of the best around.
Called The Milk Churn, it's located in a little village called Scarcroft and is roughly a twenty-minute drive from the city centre. This spot is definitely well worth the trip, having received some rave reviews for its authentic and fresh Yorkshire gelato.
Everything here is made in the classic Italian style - different from ice cream in that it uses more milk and less cream, resulting in a richer and denser frozen dessert that has less air in it and be more full of flavour.
Making gelato is considered a serious art, especially in Italy (where the treat originates) where there are even gelato universities. And here at The Milk Churn, the milk and cream used in their gelato-making process come straight from the farm. It really doesn't get any fresher than this.
The team that makes the gelato here trained in Italy at the Gelato University in Bologna before bringing their skills home to Yorkshire.
As a result, the farm shop and gelato cafe has fast been developing a reputation for the "freshest and most delicious" ice cream in and around Leeds, pulling in some rave reviews online.
"It’s a spot that is quite unknown, but honestly if you love good ice cream, then get yourself there!" said one reviewer.
"The ice cream itself is hands down the creamiest around. Good quality ice cream at a reasonable price. The cones are proper waffle cones, and they also offer tubs if preferred. The variety of flavours is always second to none and you will always be stuck on at least 2 flavours!"
The variety here changes daily, which is perfect for those who want to get stuck in and try as many different types of gelato as possible - and there is also a range of lactose-free sorbettos on offer, perfect for vegans and anyone with a milk intolerance.
There's also a great little play area here for the kids / Image: Grace Newton
Sorbetto differs from sorbet in that it is served warmer and is silky smooth just like gelato - no crunchy ice crystals here.
The products here are branded ‘Tomoli’ in a sweet nod to the family connection behind it. The name is derived from the next generation of the family here, Thomas and Olivia who, it's hoped, will take the farm and the Milk Churn forward one day.
Typical flavours on offer tend to include blackcurrant, triple chocolate, honeycomb, orange, strawberry, vanilla and cookies and cream - but these change every day so you're always going to be in with a bit of a surprise.
Sorbetto flavours on offer, meanwhile, include mango, raspberry and strawberry and and mint.
Not only is there gorgeous gelato to be found here, it's also a great day out for the little ones as you can take them to meet the cows on the farm and even give them a stroke.
Plonk yourself down, either in the cafe inside or out in the garden on one of the picnic benches, and tuck into some of the finest frozen dessert this side of the Med - we promise, you won't regret it.
Find The Milk Churn on Beechgrove Farm in Scarcroft on Wetherby Road, LS14 3HQ.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2021 
