The Leeds foodie scene is blessed with so many independent chefs, but we've only come across one that served deep fried pizzas.
Luigi's Street Food is just one brand that has taken over Trinity Kitchen, but their Italian speciality dishes are proving popular with just about anyone that walks up to their pop-up van.
Known as a panzerotto, the traditional Italian dish is deep fried pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and a choice of toppings- and they're going down a treat.
Available until January, the best of Luigi's menu is available in the Trinity Kitchen inside the Trinity shopping centre.
On the menu are a range of deep-fried calzone dishes with toppings like cheese and tomato, pepperoni, chicken and more.
The Arancini is also on the menu, with mozzarella sticks and a Birra Moretti is never more than a contactless swish on the payment machine to wash it all down with.
Luigi's even have their own meal deal: a pizza with a combination of soft drinks or alcoholic lager for those ready to unwind. Priced at £10 and £12 respectively, there aren't many places in the city centre that you can get a full calzone and a drink for under £15, so it's well worth taking advantage of.
Specialising in smokehouse classics using free-range and locally-reared produce, everything on The Pickled Porker menu is smoked for a minimum of 12 hours over applewood, oak and hickory wood chips for maximum flavour.
Nelly’s Barn, meanwhile, will be cooking up 28-day, dry-aged beef burgers with double-tasty cheddar – whilst their vegan kitchen offers guests plant-based southern fried chick’n with gravy and sauces to give an extra zing.
Poutine heroes Spuds and Bros will also be back by popular demand, serving their Christmas special The Brother Christmas Poutine, alongside their traditional range with a variety of different toppings and the option of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian gravy.
To put Luigi's deep fried calzone to the test, make sure to get over to Trinity Kitchen before the end of January 2022, or find their speciality menu at the likes of Northern Refectory, Chow Down and other bestselling foodie hotspots around the city.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
11th December 2021 
