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Beloved Leeds bistro ‘over the moon’ after being named one of the best restaurants in the UK

So well deserved.

Clementine Hall - 1st May 2026

It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.

And they're just as excited as we are.

Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.

Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.

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A post shared by Bavette (@bavettebistro)

And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.

Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.

It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.

The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.

And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.

"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."

Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds

Daisy Jackson Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds

Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds

Leeds’ matcha scene is about to get a serious upgrade, because MADE, the viral Sheffield favourite, is officially ready to open its second site right in the heart of the city.

Taking over a spot on Lower Briggate, the new café lands on Thursday 30 April, and if its Sheffield success is anything to go by, it'll be pretty popular from day one.

Since launching less than a year ago, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.

This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space brings something genuinely fresh to the table in Leeds.

At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s already gained a cult following over in Sheffield.

Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.

Acai bowls at MADE in Leeds

Inside the new MADE in Leeds — Acai bowls at MADE in Leeds

MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), and other grab-and-go bites.

Taking over the former Nice Things unit, the arrival of MADE brings a new energy to Lower Briggate just in time for summer.

And judging by the queues they regularly draw in Sheffield, it’s safe to say Leeds locals are about to become very familiar with that signature green hue.

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Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

The North Leeds Food Festival returns for 2026 and special anniversary edition

The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.

We're getting hungry just thinking about it.

Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.

We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.

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A post shared by North Leeds Food Festival (@northleedsfoodfestival)

Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.

Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.

Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.

Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "We’ve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."

Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...

The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.

It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s

Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".

There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.

Scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 10am and wrapping up on the following (10 May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.

You can grab your tickets right HERE.

savvy baker menu — Credit: The Hoot

hash brown town leeds — Credit: The Hoot

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Featured Images — The Manc Group