The Japanese Sando cafe always has a queue out the door for lunch, and we predict the same for their new evening offering.
When we heard that Shokupan on Wellington Street had launched a new evening menu, we simply couldn’t wait to try it out.
The family-run Japanese sando cafe is one of Leeds’ best hidden gems, which we visit time and time again.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their flavourful sandos are already a popular lunch option, but their new evening menu brings a selection of small plates to the table - and they were nothing short of outstanding.
The menu is small but perfectly formed, featuring four small plates which are designed for sharing.
Crispy, crunchy Japanese Karaage Fried Chicken alongside Okonomiyaki Bites drenched in mayo and Tonkatsu sauce was the perfect way to kick off a brilliant meal.
The Karaage Chicken was definitely a highlight, the meat was succulent and the light batter bursting with flavour. The delicious morsels could either be dunked in a soy sauce, spring onion dip or an indulgent mayo sprinkled with chilli flakes - just delicious.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Now onto the mains, and it’s Shokupan doing what they do best - Japanese sandos and rice dishes which are already big hitters on their popular lunch menu.
The Tonkatsu Rice featured a classic breaded chicken fillet in a tangy Tonkatsu sauce, white rice, shredded cabbage, pickled red onion and pickled ginger.
The pickles were a great addition and made for the perfect forkful when combined with the zesty sauce and rich mayo.
The real showstopper though was the Curry Dip Sando, and yes it is as amazing as it sounds - a fried pork cutlet nestled in their signature shokupan loaf and served with a pot of thick curry sauce.
Dipping a sandwich into a pot of curry sauce is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Shokupan serve their evening menu exclusively on Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:30 - 8:30pm. The vibe is uber chill, the interior relaxed and Alison makes you feel as though you’ve been invited round for tea as soon as you step through the door.
They operate a walk-in only police and it is currently BYOB, so if you fancy a tipple you can bob over to the supermarket down the road and grab a bottle to go with your food.
Whether for lunch or dinner we are already planning our next trip back, and so should you.
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."
Clementine Hall -
24th August 2023 
