It's pronounced 'shaar-koo-tr-ee', and it's a feast of all things cheese and meat.
If there's one thing we love more than cheese in our dishes, it's a standalone block with some crackers, fruits and meats to tuck into.
Charcuterie boards, mainly made up of cheese and meats, have been around since the 1400s- so a very long time, but it's their 'Instagrammability' that's supposedly the reason for they've been hyped up so much over the past few years.
We just think they're delish, but we're not complaining when a plate of all our favourite flavours looks aesthetic enough for the 'gram. Turns out if you look hard enough, you'll find so many menus in Leeds that now incorporate the sharing platter as a staple dish.
Here's our favourite places to grab one.
Friends of Ham
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We can't go any further without mentioning our friends at Friends of Ham. Here at The Hoot, we can't get very far from the train station without thinking about, and subsequently drooling over the seasonal selection of cured meats and smelly cheeses they have to offer. Even their toasties are made from pickles, different types of mouthwatering cheddars and seasonal meat selections- inspired by the sharing boards on offer. This is certainly a top choice for any charcuterie connoisseur- and if you don't fancy sitting upstairs, grab a seat at the Underbelly, the speakeasy beneath Friends of Ham with the same incredible menu.
Read More: A new underground cocktail speakeasy has opened in Leeds
Available from pop-ups around Leeds- but from coming to a permanent location this year sometime soon (fingers crossed), The Cheesy Living Co. is by far one of our favourite lockdown success stories from the wholesome Jake Fischer, the ‘big cheese’ and Soph Branowsky, Creative Director. 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- they're the one to watch this year, we're telling you.
Bottle Chop hasn't been open for long in Far Headingley, but it's constantly packed out with cheese and wine lovers all desperate to get a spot at the table. Every evening between the hours of 6pm and 9pm, grab a charcuterie board and do your bit for the planet at the same time by bringing a reusable wine and beer bottle. The company are sell their house wines and IPAs at £5 each and it can be refilled it as many times as you like- just make sure you leave space for the cheese.
Better Days is the only bar that offers mental wellbeing support completely for free, the fact that they sell a huge range of charcuterie, waffles and pancakes is just a bonus. If you manage to get over on a Thursday evening, they host a live open mic night with a host of different singers, poets and musicians taking turns on the mic. Open Wednesday - Sunday, you'll find this hidden gem inside the Merrion Street Grand Arcade.
Decanter is an independent wine bar set in the heart of Leeds and they have a six page menu to show off their expertise. On the food menu, there's meat platters, cheese and charcuterie or a combo plate for four or more people to share. Some of our top picks on these include the scratchings, Yorkshire Lomo, red onion chutney and 18-month-cured Jamón Serrano.
The Watermark is locally known for its outlandish nights out, including their blanket fort birthday party and, more recently, Cinderella-style search to return a Croc with it's owner- but it's their food and drink that will have you through the door and refusing to leave until 4am. Turns out, the popular Leeds bar offer meat and cheese boards, as well as hummus and crumpets until 4am. At £15 per board, end the night by sharing your treats with your nearest and dearest whilst keeping the party alive with cocktails and some of the most eclectic tunes in Leeds.
Found on a huge twelve page menu, hidden amongst a selection of other nibbles are Charcuterie Jars: a selection of deli meats and cheeses, served (you guessed it) in a small jar- perfect for snacking on. Canal Club is open day and night to serve up your cheese and meat needs, as well as plenty of other delicious snacks, inspired by a fusion of faraway places, and is sure to become a daytime favourite for many as well as a midnight snack for party-goers.
Read More: This new cafe-bar-club in Leeds is serving charcuterie jars
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.
Famous Leeds restaurant receives £500,000 investment ahead of landmark refurbishment
Clementine Hall
One of Yorkshire's most celebrated restaurants, The Box Tree, has announced a £500,000 investment in the future of the business.
Set within one of Ilkley's oldest buildings, The Box Tree is a renowned restaurant that has been a defining name in British fine dining since 1962.
Originally a 1720 stone farmhouse, The Box Tree became one of the North's most celebrated restaurants, earning two Michelin stars in 1977 and establishing a legacy shaped by chefs including the one and only Marco Pierre White.
And now, The Box Tree is heading in a brand-new direction having received a £500,000 investment.
Images: Supplied
From August, the restaurant will temporarily close before reopening on early September, unveiling a new dining experience that honours more than 60 years of heritage and history.
The refurbishment will be led by award-winning interior designers Studio Two, who's work is known for creating spaces that are both timeless and individual.
Alongside the refreshed interiors, guests can look forward to an enhanced dining experience, where every element has been thoughtfully considered to complement Head Chef, Brayden Davies' modern approach to British cuisine.
But before closing its doors for refurbishment, The Box Tree will present The Box Tree: Eras – a limited four-week dining series celebrating defining moments from the restaurant's culinary journey.
Head Chef, Brayden Davies said: "The Box Tree has an incredible history, and before we begin the next chapter, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate everything that has come before it.
"The Eras dinners are inspired by the chefs, dishes and moments that have shaped the restaurant over the decades, while reflecting where we are today. At the same time, we're incredibly excited about what's ahead. This investment is a huge vote of confidence in The Box Tree and allows us to create a dining experience that reflects where we are today while respecting everything that makes this restaurant so special."
Sophie Smith -
6th May 2022 
