This year the Good Food Guide received over 37,000 public nominations for its 'Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants'.
Good Food Guide says "All of the restaurants in the list have been inspected by Good Food Guide inspectors, travelling the length and breadth of England, Scotland and Wales, to compile the final list" - and with plenty of eyes and ears on the hunt for the best food in the UK for well over half a decade - when these guys say they've founds somewhere to shout about, it's well worth listening to.
And lucky for us in Leeds we've not got far to travel to try out some of the guide's latest additions.
Hern is one of those 'if you know, you know' restaurants. Set in the leafy inner city suburbs of Chapel Allerton, the small bar and kitchen operates with an ever changing menu using seasonal produce.
Highlights on the menu can include king oyster mushrooms; Cauliflower stem fritters; mutton with king cabbage, celeriac and anchovy, as well as home cooked favourites like pumpkin soup and baked apple.
And there's no shortage of different menu alternatives the Set Menu is available from Thursday - Saturday whilst the bar menu takes centre stage on Wednesdays and a set lunch on Saturdays fills the weekend with treats that keep locals coming back every week.
Now, The Good Food Guide has recognised the foodie hotspot as one of the best in Britain, adding them to its list of 'Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants'.
Joined by the likes of Manchester's Higher Ground and Sheffield's The Orange Bird, Hern is the only restaurant in Leeds to make the prestigious list.
And it makes up one of just three in West Yorkshire chosen, only accompanied by Coin in Hebden Bridge and Brooks over in Brighouse.
Hern announced the news on Instagram over the weekend, sharing: "We’ve been included in the @goodfoodguideuk 100 best local restaurants along with a very nice write up"
You can find out why Hern has been listed as one of the best spots in Leeds by taking a seat at the Stainbeck Corner restaurant and checking out the menu for yourself.
Feature Image - Hern via Instagram
Eats
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Sophie Smith -
10th July 2023 
