If you've been down to The Cheesy Living Co. before, you'll know just how well these guys know their cheeses.
It's in the name really - but having quickly gone a pop-up food market traders to owning their own store and putting on lunch menus and a series of successful supper clubs, art nights and creating a whole cheese-loving community taking over the corner the Corn Exchange - everything centres around the cheese here, and it shows.
Now taking their foodie options to a whole new level, The Cheesy Living Co. has announced it will be taking on a new street food venture at Trinity Kitchen.
Named The Cheesy Chip Shop, we reckon this is going to be far from your average hangover cure.
With exciting combinations like the Buffalo Blue with buffalo sauce and blue cheese; a classic Chip Shop Curry curry sauce with cumin gouda, mango chutney, mint yoghurt, popadoms and pickled chilli and even Truffle Carbonara with parmesan and pecorino cheese, pancetta, truffle and parsley - it's obvious every cheese and garnish has been well thought out.
And it's not just Sides on the menu too - 'Mac N Cheese' bites with cheese sauce, Dorito crumb and chives and Halloumi Fries with hot honey and tzatziki are also on the menu - allowing the perfect meal deal combo of cheesy chips, a cheesy side and a soft drink or beer.
The Cheesy Living Co. is quickly becoming Leeds go-to supplier for all things cheese and charcuterie.
After taking a passion project full-time during the second Covid lockdown, owners Jake and Soph haven’t looked back since the launch of The Cheesy Living Co. in 2020.
Supplying renowned chef Matt Healy’s Horsforth restaurant Forde with farmer’s cured meats and ingredients, but still managing to attend just about every small business and foodie market across the city, The Cheesy Living Co. is one of the most humbled new businesses around.
Aware of the popularity of their products, but taking things slow and making conscious business decisions, co-owner Jake spent years in hospitality before taking the plunge to launch his own business- and the time spent learning the intricacies of the industry shows.
With the help Soph, the other half of the business, the pair is ensuring that The Cheesy Living Co. is slowly making its way around the Leeds foodie scene - and becoming a firm favourite across the city.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
12th July 2023 
