Leeds is full of lockdown success stories, but the ever-humble Cheesy Living Co. have had a whirlwind year like no other.
The Cheesy Living Co. has made a considerable stamp on the Leeds foodie scene after opening less than a year ago. Whether you met Jake and Soph at the Corn Exchange or whilst visiting the Savvy Baker, the pop-up cheese and charcuterie specialists have been cooking up quite a storm.
The Cheesy Living Co. is the small independent bringing a whole world of cheese to Leeds that you need to know about. You can find them around Leeds, but you can also grab all things cheese and charcuterie online.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
The company create bespoke boxes of cheese, cured meats and accompaniments, as well as selling limited edition stock such as Spanish cheese, sweet rocky road salami and more.
The team of two: Jake Fischer, the 'big cheese' and Soph Branowsky, Creative Director, set out to take on the cheese scene after finding a gap on the market for locally sourced products during lockdown.
Founder Jake told us that: "Working in hospitality, when covid restrictions hit hard for the second time we decided that the time was right (and for our own sanity) to pursue a passion and love for all things cheese & charcuterie.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
"At first the idea was simply to bring together the best produce out there and to make it more accessible for people to enjoy, but we quickly found that quality of things being made here in the U.K. was just incredible! We thought why is this stuff not easier to get hold of?! And that’s when we decided to focus on British and locally sourced products."
Prior to this Jake was managing a cocktail and wine bar in Leeds city centre for four years, but had held different positions across the hospitality sector for over twelve years.
Since swapping the bar for business, the duo told us that the biggest lesson they learnt is "most importantly to take every opportunity that’s thrown at you and give it a go. You never really know what’s going to work until you try".
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Living by their own mantra, the company have secured 1500 followers on Instagram and grown a firm fan basis across Leeds city centre and beyond.
The duo are hoping to secure their first proper site where they can work from on a permanent basis. The pair have "found a location that provides an exciting opportunity for us to take the next step with the business".
Hoping to open their doors doors in spring 2022, located in Leeds city centre, we know that we're not the only ones excited about this next step for the Cheesy Living Co.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Reflecting on the past year, we asked the 'big cheese' himself what it's like to take on a new venture in lockdown and what's the best thing to come out of their career swap.
"It’s probably been getting to share what we love with so many people. Considering we only really launched 7 months ago we’ve a long way in that time.
"Having a good product is one part of it of course, but the rest is down to the incredible support we’ve had from family, friends and all of our customers… We have a lot of ambition and seeing that start to become a reality is such an incredible feeling.
"2021 has been such a tough year for so many people, so to be able to do what we’re passionate about on a daily basis is such a humbling feeling."
To get your cheese and charcuterie fix, you can visit the Cheesy Living Co's Instagram page to follow their journey to an official, permanent space and find out where the company will be popping up in the meantime too. Alternatively, to take their charcuterie boards for a taste test- head over to their website.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
4th January 2022 
