The Christmas countdown is on. Not necessarily for the big day itself, but for all those wonderful traditions we all participate in leading up to the festive period.
Since the Leeds Christmas Markets were cancelled, local hotels and bars have been reinventing festive traditions for the city and there's plenty of exciting trips to keep us busy until 25 December.
Very few of these events will be able to compete with Dakota and their showstopper of an afternoon tea.
The Festive Afternoon Tea will be available on Fridays and Saturdays during the Christmas countdown between 1pm and 4pm each day.
Upon entry, receive a mouthwatering mix of amuse bouche dishes to sample. The single-bite hors d'œurves are split into three tiers, each inspired by the warm flavours of Christmas.
Dakota Leeds is located in the heart of the city centre, less than a five-minute walk from the train station. / Image: Dakota Hotels
Start with a selection of tea sandwiches, for a sensory experience that can only remind you of December: spiced plum chutney with Appleby Cheshire cheese or Argyll smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and pickled cucumber.
For a taste of Christmas dinner before the big day, there's a roast Cumbrian turkey and cranberry selection to sample and even a truffled egg mayonnaise sandwich with watercress.
Pair these delicious sandwiches with a selection of homemade pastries and fancies. Take a bite from a nutty chestnut and apple macaron; pistachio and cranberry choux bun or sample the warming cinnamon and winter fruit loaf.
Fancy something to cleanse your palette with a cocoa-based delight? The chocolate and cherry mousse is sure to satisfy you, but there are also a selection of additional cakes and sweets available as part of Dakota's Festive Afternoon Tea.
The choux pastry of the dark chocolate and hazelnut profiterole has caught our eye, but the sweet white chocolate and mulled winter fruit tart sounds as equally tempting.
The use of local ingredients to inspire these dishes is just one speciality of this delicious menu.
The sticky Yorkshire parkin is the perfect way to round off your afternoon delight, with a glass of fizz in-hand.
The Dakota Festive Afternoon Tea costs £25 per person. Book on their website to avoid disappointment, particularly if additional dietary requirements need to be catered for.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2021 
