Both Veganuary first timers missing missing the crispy tender taste of fried chicken and along time vegan that haven't found a plant-based fake chicken that's quite like the original are in for a treat this Veganuary.
Partnering up with London-based vegan specialists Temple of Seitan, Yard & Coop have added three new additions to their chicken menu that are said to taste just like the meaty originals.
According to Yard & Coop Leeds, "Temple of Seitan specialise in vegan fried chicken -best we’ve ever tasted - and we’re so excited to be able to bring them up North for the month and put our Coop twist on it."
So what's on the menu this Veganuary?
THe AbraKEBABra and Karen's Doing Veganuary Burger. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
There's the AbraKEBABra, a grilled and shaved Temple of Seitan with sweet pickled cabbage, diced tomato, minted yoghurt, chilli sauce, pickle chilli and crisp fries wrapped in a pitta served. All Veganuary dishes are served with portion of our fries, just in case you've still got room.
Then there's the hilariously named Karen's Doing Veganuary. Think Temple of Seitan tenders filled with crispy bacon, street slaw, lettuce, tomato, BBQ sauce and vegan mayo. Yard & Coop reckon that times are changing and so is Karen, meaning she'd embrace Temple of Seitan tenders in a heartbeat- we'll take their word for it.
There's also a Massive Vegan Cock Burger on offer- a 12" plant-based version of the original Yard & Coope Massive Cock dish. Standing at 30cm tall, piled high with Double stacked with Temple of Seitan tenders, 2 hash browns, salt and pepper cauli flower andstreet slaw.
We're not done just yet, if those toppings weren't enough, there's vegan bacon, cheese slices,lashings of chilli and mint yoghurt, chopped iceberg, sliced tomato, gherkins, red onion topped with a seitan wing all stacked on top. All crammed within a vegan brioche bun with loads of fries- what more could you possibly want from a vegan chicken burger?
The restaurant can be found on Merrion Street. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
The collaborative menu will only be available until the 6th of February, so make sure to book your seat in the coop to avoid disappointment. For more information, including how to book, visit the Yard & Coop website.
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.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
7th January 2022 
