Hidden away in the Queens Arcade, Simpatico has been serving up some of the best Pizza al Taglio around for long enough for us to know that they know what they're doing when it comes to Italian cuisine.
Now, on a mission to showcase their treats to the brunchtime masses, Simpatico have launched Termini, a bottomless brunch experience not to be missed.
Named after Rome’s iconic central station at the heart of the Eternal City, expect fast-paced service, with every top up running to clockwork standards.
Of course, the drinks included pay homage to their namesake, so expect the likes of refreshing Aperol Spritz, G&Ts, and even top-tier beers like Peroni, served in 330ml bottles. There's a glass of fizz on arrival, plus Prosecco can be served throughout the sitting too, so there's something for every palette.
Image: Simpatico
The only thing missing from this authentic Italian experience is the beaming sunshine and 45 degree heat, though given it is only winter- we're willing to sacrifice the warmth for some delicious food and drink.
All these beverages are sure to get your stomach warmed up, and there's plenty of choice on offer. For starters (yes, you get two courses with this bottomless, how great is that?), guests are encouraged to tuck into an antipasto platter made up of cured meats, olives, warm slices of bread and classic cheeses like mozzarella, blues and good ol' cheddar.
Pizzas are served by the slice in true Simpatico style and the pick 'n' mix flavours are cooked fresh with flavours that will only be confirmed on the day. Expect classic margaritas, mushrooms, pepperoni as well as more exciting toppings like olives and salami chunks.
No two pieces are the same, the same as downstairs where Simpatico's endless menu changes on a regular basis- and we love that we never quite know what we'll be in for. Once you've had your first round of pizzas, you can keep your plate topped up throughout the entire experience with as many slices as you can manage to fit into the two hour sitting.
Image: Simpatico
So in brief, you're looking at an authentic Italian feast with unlimited pizza and booze for two hours- and it only comes to £29.95 per person, a bargain if you ask us.
There's space for forty upstairs in the bottomless dining area, but you can book as many or as few seats as you would like- just make sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. All bookings must be made online and cannot be made in store, so head to the Simpatico website to get your space reserved.
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 -
27th January 2022 
