Yorkshire is top tier when it comes to sourcing proper, locally-grown produce - and there are some great farmers markets to discover in and around Leeds.
To help you get your hands on the very tastiest local fruit, veg, cheese, and more, we've put together a handful of our absolute favourite markets - but trust us when we say that around Leeds we're absolutely spoilt for choice.
For those who want to get their locally sourced shop on, we've pulled a selection of indoor and outdoor markets for you to explore below.
Taking place every second Saturday of the month, Headingley Farmers' Market is ethically driven, promising its customers to always provide good quality food direct from local producers - mostly from within a radius of 30 miles, with the exception of the Whitby fish.
On an average weekend, you'll find over 20 food stalls here selling everything from bread and cakes, to dairy and cheese, meat, fish, eggs, preserves and plants; plus specialist traders with olives, Yorkshire pies, chocolate, Italian and Indian ingredients, and fresh coffee beans. There's also another market nearby that offers live music.
Where: Rose Garden North Lane Headingley LS6 3JJ
Otley has a long history of markets, with the first cattle market recorded as taking place here in 1222 / Image: Jomar Esssentials
Otley Farmers' Market
Held on the last Sunday of the month, here at Otley Market Place you'll find a load of fresh and organic produce, direct from the producer and sourced as locally as possible. From stalls selling interesting different varieties of garlic, to some great gluten-free finds, the market in Otley is highly rated.
Head down to discover a whole host of locally-made bread, jams and honey preserves, fresh eggs, plants and herbs, pies, pork, bacon and beef products, fish, confectionery, local cheeses, handmade chocolates, ostrich meat, mushrooms, fruit, and vegetables, as well as beers from some of Leeds' local breweries.
Where: 32-34 Market Pl, Otley LS21 3AQ
Leeds Bread Co-Op is a regular stall holder at Oakwood Farmers' Market, held on the third Saturday of the month / Image: Leeds Bread Co-Op
Oakwood Farmers' Market
Taking place on the third Saturday of the month at the Oakwood Clock, this market runs from 9 am to 12.30 pm - so you'll want to get there early to get the best stuff.
Regular stalls here feature local organic vegetables, eggs, rapeseed oil, beef, organic meat, pies, bacon, bread, apple juice, soup, plants, cheese, Italian and local delicatessen savouries and sweet treats.
Where: Oakwood Clock, North Leeds.LS8 1SD
Farsley's farmers' market has a whole host of local stall holders on hand every last Saturday of the month / Image: The Yorkshire Chocolatier
Farsley Farmers' Market
Taking place on the fourth Saturday of the month between 10 am and 1 pm, here you'll find a quality range of handcrafted gifts and a market kitchen alongside a solid selection of local producers.
Regular stall holders include Cabbage Patch Bakery, Woods Brownie Co, Beantastic coffee trader, Sian's India Express, the Yorkshire Chocolatier, the Yorkshire Pie Bakery, Calverley Beekeepers, Country Cheese Store and more.
Where: St Johns Hall and Grounds, New Street, off Farsley Town Street,, Leeds, LS28 5DJ
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.