With Shrove Tuesday just around the corner, we've already got pancakes on the brain - and there's one particular spot in the city centre that always ticks the boxes for us.
First opened in Leeds in 2019, Moose Coffee is a city centre favourite that's survived a pandemic and endless changes across the cityscape. A sort of North American greasy spoon, this all-day breakfast spot is beloved amongst local foodies and always seems to have a queue stretching out of the door.
Inside you'll find Canadian favourites like homemade grilled potato hash topped with eggs and streaky bacon, alongside sweet French toast and fried chicken waffles drenched in maple syrup. It's all amazing, but today we want to focus a little attention on the pancakes - because they really are worth shouting about.
Think large homemade Moose pancakes mixed with chopped smoked sausage and streaky bacon and topped with fried eggs and served with butter and Canadian maple syrup, alongside stacks with a choice of toppings and fillings ranging from blueberries to chocolate and hazelnut spread, icecream, bacon and maple syrup and more.
The menu here is heavily inspired by the founders' travels in American and Canada, and owners cite iconic New York breakfast spots like Pershing Deli at the south end of Grand Central Station and Comfort Diner on 45th Street as key influences.
As a result, there's a long list of Moose benedicts alongside classics like savoury, smooth and buttery comfort food Grits and fried hash.
But for those who like their brunch extra sweet, there's also a host of fluffy pancake stacks slathered in the likes of homemade salted caramel, peanut butter and chocolate, plus classics like maple syrup and bacon.
Having first begun life in Liverpool in 2006, the group now also boasts sites in Manchester and has worked to secure something of a grip on the north west's breakfast crowd.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The original Manchester site on York Street has proven so successful that in 2017 the team opened a second in the city centre - moving into Piccadilly Approach alongside the likes of Northern Soul Grilled Cheese and Flock.
Using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, all fruit and veg is sourced in Manchester with bread baked daily over in Stockport courtesy of The Dutch Bakery. Meat, meanwhile, is sourced from responsible farmers in the Lake District and Waterloo.
Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.
Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.
Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.
The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.
The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.
"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.
"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.
"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."
The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.
"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain can now open a new branch in a Leeds suburb after plans have been agreed.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Images: The Manc Group
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meandwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
Burgerism's new takeaway will be near the famed Zucco restaurant and The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
The planning officer's report stated that the applicant must give sufficient details of extraction equipment to prevent the odour for people living above.
It read: “The application site relates to a vacant ground floor premises within a parade of three commercial units in a local town centre. Above the premises are three floors of purpose-built self-contained flats.”
A design report by Burgerism read: “The proposal will ensure the continued use of a vacant hot food takeaway and will support the continued viability of the town centre of Meanwood, with an exciting new operator in the market.”
The brand-new Burgerism would employ 15 people from the local area and would serve food between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, so you can get your Burgerism fix.
The Hoot -
11th February 2024 
