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
Leeds has been crowned one of the funniest cities in the UK
The UK cities with the best sense of humour have been revealed, and Leeds has made the top ten list.
The very serious research was commissioned by snack company Cheez-It, who partnered with comedian Jason Manford to launch its ‘Comedy Credit Service’, which saw the comedian visiting London to help lift the locals' mood.
The research revealed Liverpool as the city in the UK with the best sense of humour, with 16% of 2,000 people interviewed naming it the place most likely to have them laughing.
The poll showed a very clear north-south divide, with only London and Brighton making it into the top ten list.
Leeds came in at a very respectable number 9, which we will absolutely take. It must be our classic Yorkshire wit.
The research also revealed that 66% of Brits think they are funny, with the most common humour style people identified with was dry or sarcastic.
The top 10 cities with the best sense of humour
1. Liverpool
2. Glasgow
3. London
4. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
5. Birmingham
6. Manchester
7. Belfast
8. Edinburgh
9. Leeds
10. Brighton & Hove
Rui Frias from Cheez-It, said: “We know comfort comes in all shapes and sizes – a shared laugh, or a much‑needed escape from the February slump.
“That’s why we’ve packed our prize pot with joy-boosters designed to brighten even the greyest day, from ‘Comedy Night In’ bundles to mini ‘Cheer Up Kits’ and even laughter yoga.
“And because we’re proudly pro-cheese in every sense, it’s brilliant to see just how much humour matters to people right now.
“Britain’s famous for its dry sarcasm and razor‑sharp wit — and while the North may still claim the crown, we’re hoping a few belly laughs can help spread the joy nationwide.”
Merrion Centre to host Leeds’ biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026.
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of events in Leeds city centre.
Taking place on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February 2026, the Merrion Centre will be alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.
Guests can expect traditional lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, live musical performances, and hands-on workshops open for everyone to get involved in.
Image: Supplied
The Merrion Centre is once again partnering with various Leeds-based Chinese schools to create an event that highlights the best of Chinese culture.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre.
"This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community, but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”
Image: Supplied
Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented: “We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
"The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added: “The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”