We were lucky enough to stay at the city's newest hotel and restaurant, and what a treat it was.
It's not often you get to stay in a hotel in your own city, so when we were given the opportunity to dive into a plush bed at the brand-new Hotel Indigo we jumped at the chance.
You've probably stayed at a Hotel Indigo in your time, with locations across the globe they offer reliable stays where you're made to feel very welcome as soon as you step foot through the door.
And their new site in Leeds is absolutely no exception.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
First of all, the location is top tier. Sitting pretty on Lower Briggate just behind the train station, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city and looking to explore.
Within minutes you can be sipping a cocktail on Call Lane or browsing the shops on Briggate, what more could you want?
Next, the rooms - and this is where it gets exciting. Acting as a real love letter to the city, each floor of the Hotel Indigo represents a different part of Leeds history.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From dice-shaped chairs to reflect Leeds' involvement in the invention of board games to rock and roll-inspired coat hooks as a nod to the city's amazing music heritage, not one single detail has been overlooked.
Each room is chic and carefully curated, complete with one of the comfiest beds we've ever had the pleasure of laying our heads on.
And of course, the views were spectacular - our room overlooked the iconic Leeds bridge where the first moving picture was shot back in 1888. You can't get more Leeds then that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Once checking in we had to pop downstairs to sample their brand new restaurant, The Banksia.
Run with Craig Rogan at the helm, we knew it was going to be good and it really was. The menu features a range of mediterranean small plates from soft lamb rump and tuna tartare to hummus which is made to your own taste table side.
The dining room itself features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lower Briggate making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, enjoy a few small plates and sip on a couple of cocktails (which were all fantastic by the way).
The service was faultless, our waitress Scarlett was particularly lovely and for a restaurant that's only been open a few weeks the entire experience was slick and seamless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're spending the night at Hotel Indigo, make it a priority to visit the Banksia whether dining or stopping by for a drink or two.
Or, you could even enjoy their breakfast in bed which of course we absolutely did.
After a blissful nights sleep we placed our order via the neon orange telephone and within moments we were sipping on hot coffee, juices and refreshing açai bowls in bed. Now that is luxury.
Overall, from the moment we were greeted by the fantastic front of house team to the minute we sadly waved them goodbye, our night's stay at the Hotel Indigo was nothing short of exceptional.
It made us feel like a tourist in our own city and whether you're looking to do the same or visiting the city from elsewhere, we couldn't recommend it any more.
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.
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2025 
