A Hollywood great has been seen dining at UYARE, the luxury rooftop restaurant in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Mads Mikkelsen, who has starred in roles such as Hannibal as well as portraying arguably the best James Bond villain yet in Casino Royale, visited the new Leeds spot over the weekend.
It wasn't just Mikkelsen bringing a taste of Hollywood to the restaurant, either.
He was visiting UYARE with Oscar-winning editor Lee Smith, who edited Dunkirk and Inception, and producer Pascal Degove.
The trio visited the South Indian restaurant and bar to discuss their upcoming project, Sirius, a new Arctic action-thriller that will be Smith's directional debut.
Mads was seen posing for photos with staff, and personally thanked Chef Ajith Kumar and Chef Francis.
Mads Mikkelsen and his crew feasted on a spread of fiery starters like masala fried cauliflower, crispy fried fish, and punchy Kanthari chicken.
Then he tucked into Pothu Koonu Masala - a buffalo curry - Kunjaadu curry, and a king prawn Chemmeen roast for mains, with Kerela parathas and carrot coconut rice.
UYARE is the beautiful new rooftop restaurant from the team behind Tharavadu, taking over the sky-high former Issoh site at Victoria Gate.
The team have a knack for attracting some serious star power, with visits from Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, and the entire Indian cricket team across at Tharavadu.
But Mads Mikkelsen is the biggest name to grace the new rooftop restaurant.
The UYARE team said: "Our staff aren’t new to high-profile guests. After all, our sister restaurant, Tharavadu, has seen the likes of Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, Virat Kohli, and the entire Indian Cricket Team over the past 11 years.
"We’re proud to bring that same hospitality and excellence to UYARE."
Forget what you know about sausages, because Piper's Sheffield is changing the game.
There's no denying that us Brits love a good sausage.
It's a porky staple that crops up in our diet in numerous forms: sausage and mash, sausage rolls, sausage sandwiches - their versatility is truly inspiring.
But there's one person who loves them more than most, and that's the lovely Nick from Piper's Artisan Sausage.
Images: The Sheff
Located in Crosspool, Piper's is a sort of butchers/deli that specialise in, well, sausages.
They have an ever-changing menu of bangers that are inspired by recipes and flavours from across the globe.
From a roasted butternut squash sausage and a Vietnamese Nem Muong to a pepperoni pizza-inspired sausage, you'll never want to eat a Cumberland ever again.
They even stock a selection of veggie sausages so no one has to miss out on the sausage party (sorry, I had to).
Images: The Sheff
You can buy the sausages raw to take home, perfect for barbecue season if you ask us.
But they also make their own sausage rolls, sandwiches, sauces and plenty more, all using ingredients prepared in-house.
Nick and Libby also smoke their own ham in the back and make their own lasagna which is basically famous at this point, if you're not feeling sausages that day.
So if you're looking to stock up for your next BBQ or after trying something different with your mash, all whilst supporting a local business, then Piper's is the spot for you.
They're stocking high quality products unlike anything you'll find in a supermarket, and we're very lucky to have them here in our city.
An award-winning Leeds restaurant is now serving sandwiches from a street-side hatch
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' top restaurants has unveiled a brand-new concept brilliantly named 'Here Comes The Bun'.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is about as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
Back when they were located on North Street in the city centre, to survive during the dreaded lockdown they opened up a sandwich concept named 'Here Comes The Bun' (what a name by the way).
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The concept was simple, serving up delicious hot takeaway sandwiches all served in pillowy potato rolls made in-house.
And now the concept is back and better than ever, as Here Comes The Bun is now operating from a street-side hatch just moments away from their restaurant.
There's some core staple items as well as rotating specials meaning you'll be back week after week to find your favourite.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On the core menu you'll find an absolutely stellar brekkie bun powerful enough to wipe out any hangover, and of course your classic fried chicken burger which is crispy, juicy and just downright perfect.
On our visit, the specials included a lamb merguez roll with a sausage patty, harissa mayo, chermoula and slaw as well as a chicken fried steak roll with country gravy.
Whatever the specials are, just know that they'll be absolutely class.
They're currently open every Friday and Sunday, and all you have to do is order via their website, turn up at the hatch, ring the bell and collect your buns. And as if by magic, you'll be treated to the best sandwich you've ever eaten.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2025 
