Tucked away inside Kirkgate market is an old school market stall diner selling giant Yorkshire puddings filled with gravy and stew.
The ultimate winter warmer on a wet, miserable day, it's a discovery we just had to share - and it's reasonably priced, too, with the sausage and gravy pudding coming in at just £3.25.
A proper old school cafe, you'll find it on the original M&S side - tucked in amongst tea shops, baklava stalls, plant stands, and more.
As you wander through a maze of different stalls, look out for its blue and white checked flooring, blue pillars and 'Cafe express' sign, decorated with small illustrations of a knife, fork, and spoon.
Cerulean stools flank the outside of the stall, whilst inside, as well as finding room for the kitchen, there's more table seating and a counter to order from.
We went for the sausage and onion gravy option, which was robust and flavourful. No sieving needed, the gravy was thick and hearty and the sausages were made from good-quality meat with a slightly herby edge.
You can sit down and eat here, but beware they don't allow your friends to join if they've ordered from elsewhere - something to do with the limited amount of seating.
If you do bag a seat, though, it's an incredibly cute spot to people watch as your dig into some ultimate Yorkshire comfort food, surrounded by builders, pensioners, and anyone else who appreciates a good scran and a generously priced menu.
For veggies, there's an option to enjoy without meat - replacing the sausages with potatoes. Or, alternatively, you can opt for homemade beef stew with a dumpling (£5.50) or just go for gravy and Yorkshire puddings on their own.
All classic combinations, we're sure you'll agree.
As for other dishes available here, think big English fry ups, toasties with chips and a big mug of tea or coffee for under a fiver, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and more.
There's also an afternoon offer here available from 2 pm daily where you can get a large mug of tea or coffee with any of their cakes or pastries for just £3.45. It's top comfort food scran for a very reasonable price, we think you'll agree.
Find Cafe Express it inside Kirkgate Market.
Leeds
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
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 -
1st November 2021 
