House of Koko is a cult favourite in Leeds for brunches - and for good reason.
There's two sites, spread across Chapel Allerton and Oakwood, each with a slightly different menu, but both featured a clear love for all things brunch.
Both the traditional eggs benny kind, plus creations inspired by locations near and far -the kind you dream of brunches finding on a faraway holiday, just without the warm weather.
Available at both sites you've got the famous pancakes: a stack of three fluffy treats layered between sweet and savoury combos like Nutella, mixed berry compote, white chocolate chips and bacon (or This Isn't Bacon for a vegan alternative) with maple syrup.
'The Bennies' part of the menu also features across both sites with a choice of smoked streaky bacon, oak-smoked Atlantic salmon and chestnut mushrooms sautéed in garlic confit, served with poached free-range eggs and signature Koko hollandaise sauce on a bed of light granary bread.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The remainder of the menu varies slightly between the Oakwood and Chapel Allerton locations, but each deserves a visit in its own right.
Think Shakshuka; Red Lentil Dahl; hummus plates with Balilah, warm chickpeas fried with spices, herbs and lemon or Moroccan spiced chicken with Koko preserved lemon aioli, homemade labneh, pickled shallots served on a toasted ciabatta - there really is something for everyone's palette here.
Plus there's a huge choice of locally-sourced bakes, caffeinated drinks, cocktails and smoothies on offer for those just popping by.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The sun-lit cafes operate on a walk-in basis only, so whilst you can't book in advance for your brunch, you'll be welcomed in with open arms upon arrival and staff will always do their best to find you the best seats available.
You can however book House of Koko after the cafe closes, and use the space to celebrate your next big event.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate your birthday, cheers to a new big job, house or staff party, or just want an excuse to get your mates together, House of Koko transforms by night into the perfect intimate location.
And that's not all, by night the cafes also offer pop-up dinners from some of Masterchef’s finalists to local indies.
Most recently, locals have been treated to a one-off menu from Masterchef contestants Omar Foster, Terri Fearon with Jack Wilkinson as part of Brown Butter Dining's Supper Club, but previously menus from Bastards Bistro, Koben Smokehouse, Nick Rapson, Aida, The Cheesy Living Co, Afsaneh's Kitchen and more.
You can keep up to date with the latest events from House of Koko on Instagram or head down to either the Chapel Allerton site on 62 Harrogate Road or 466 Roundhay Road in Oakwood to check out this Leeds' favourite for yourself.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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Eats
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
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 -
1st March 2024 
