Ten years ago Manjit’s Kitchen started with a single tweet: “who would like home-cooked Punjabi food delivered to their door?”
From humble beginnings in a home kitchen to winning street food awards and taking over two permanent sites in Leeds, the vegetarian Punjabi street food business has been slowly and carefully built up to become the beloved institution it is today.
Led by some true street food pioneers, Manjit's Kitchen was behind some of Leeds' early street food events in the city - and was one of the first traders to set up in both Trinity Kitchen and Kirkgate Market food hall.
It's still run by co-founders Manjit Kaur and Michael Jameson today, and the duo has seen the restaurant progress far in the past ten years.
Progressing from a little domestic kitchen to a street food pop-up, Manjit's also had a stint as a traveling horsebox food van before moving into its permanent site at Kirkstall Market.
Following that long journey. they also went on to acquire their first brick-and-mortar restaurant - picking up awards, acclaim, and tens of thousands of online followers along the way.
The eatery is one of Leeds' best success stories, and now as they reach this huge milestone co-founders Manjit and Michael are looking to celebrate with a host of collaborations, events, special items and tap take overs throughout September and October.
Teaming up with other members of Leeds’ outstanding food and drink scene, collaborations include a newly-released beer made especially for Manjit's Kitchen with Leeds brewer Hosforth and some planned kitchen takeovers from other street food operators - not to mention some top-tier tap takeovers with some of Leeds and Yorkshires most exciting independent breweries.
Alongside its 10th anniversary beer, the restaurant is also running a special Kirkstall lunch menu.
Speaking on the momentous anniversary, founder Manjit Kaur said:
"To be 10 years into Manjit’s Kitchen honestly just feels amazing. I’m so proud of what we’ve built up together over the years!
"To look back now at what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve been through, the people we’ve employed and brought into our lives is a really incredible thing.
"We’re really lucky to have this big group of people who have stuck with us through thick and thin and so we’re looking forward to celebrating with everyone over the next little while!
"We’re working hard on bringing some great people into the kitchen, our friends at Horsforth Brewery have created an amazing Manjit’s 10 beer - just doing what we’ve always done really, working hard with good people to create something we’re proud of”
To keep up with the 10th birthday celebrations follow Manjit's Kitchen on Instagram here.
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.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
8th September 2021 
