Leeds

Much loved Leeds smokehouse to take over village butcher’s shop in Farsley

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 10th June 2026

A popular smokehouse based in Farsley is taking over the beloved village butcher's shop.

If you're a foodie and specifically a lover of all things meat in and around Leeds, then you'll probably be familiar with Farsley Fire and Smoke.

Run by the lovely Ashley and Sarah Turner, Farsley Fire and Smoke started life as a food truck and quickly became a staple for those wanting exceptional BBQ'd meats at their events.

You may have sampled their food at Leeds' Christmas Market last year where hungry shoppers flocked to get a taste of their famous brisket.

And now, the pair are taking on a new challenge and becoming the new owners of the Farsley village butcher's shop.

Announcing the news to their Instagram, here's what they said: "Many of you will already have heard the news, but Sarah and I are incredibly proud to be taking over the village butcher’s shop as Kevin begins a new chapter.

"As Farsley residents ourselves, we know just how important this shop is to the community. That’s why we’ll be continuing the tradition under a new name: Farsley Butchers & Smokery.

"Our aim is simple: to keep everything people love about their local butcher while bringing our own passion for great food to the business. Alongside expertly butchered Yorkshire meats, you’ll find homemade bacon and hams, award-winning smoked produce, BBQ favourites and plenty of new ideas along the way.

"We’re delighted that Nigel and Terry are staying with us. Their knowledge, experience and familiar faces will help ensure the shop remains at the heart of the community.

"We’re sure there will be a few hiccups as we find our feet, but that’s all part of the adventure.

"Most importantly, we’d like to thank Kevin for trusting us with a business that has served Farsley for generations. We know how much the shop means to so many people, and we’ll do our very best to make you proud of its next chapter."

Read more: The Leeds city centre restaurant serving a modern Kerala tasting menu

Featured image - Farlsey Fire and Smoke

Leeds

Legally Blonde at Leeds Grand Theatre – a powerful portrayal drenched in pink | Review

Declan Kelly Declan Kelly

Nearly twenty years on, Legally Blonde still reminds audiences never to underestimate themselves.

There is something wonderfully refreshing about a musical that embraces joy without irony, and the 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde at the Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House does exactly that.

This sparkling revival captures all the charm, humour, and heart that has made the show a modern musical theatre favourite, proving that Elle Woods' story has lost none of its appeal.

Adapted from the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde remains far more than a fluffy feel-good comedy. Nearly twenty years after its Broadway debut, its themes of self-worth, perseverance and refusing to be underestimated continue to resonate, making the show's message feel as relevant as ever.

Image: Supplied

From the opening strains of 'Omigod You Guys!', the production establishes an infectious energy that rarely lets up.

Much of its success lies in Leah Hill's exhilarating choreography, which is packed with vitality and executed with astonishing precision. The ensemble attacks every routine with unwavering commitment, and the athletic feat that is 'Whipped Into Shape' proves a particular highlight. I will forever question how nobody appears remotely out of breath in this number.

Images: Supplied

At the centre of it all is Amber Davies, who proves herself perfectly suited to the role of Elle Woods. Effortlessly capturing the character's optimism and determination, Davies delivers a performance that goes far beyond the familiar blonde stereotype.

She brings warmth, vulnerability and impeccable comic timing to the role, ensuring that Elle's transformation from heartbroken sorority president to accomplished law student feels both authentic and genuinely moving.

Image: Supplied

Vocally, Davies is superb. She tackles the demanding score with apparent ease, bringing emotional depth to the title number whilst delivering a thrilling rendition of 'So Much Better'. Her natural comic playfulness shines throughout, making both performer and character utterly irresistible.

Equally memorable is Karen Mavundukure's delightful turn as Paulette Bonafonté. Bringing warmth and comic flair in abundance, she proves herself as one of the evening's standout performers. Her heartfelt rendition of 'Ireland' beautifully captures the character's hopes and insecurities, while her scenes with Kyle provide some of the night's biggest laughs.

What makes Legally Blonde so enduring is its sincerity. Rather than making Elle Woods the punchline, the show celebrates kindness, female friendship and self-belief. In a world often quick to judge, there is something deeply appealing about a story that wears its optimism so proudly.

Legally Blonde is running until 13 June at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House and you can grab your tickets here.

Read more: Pretty Woman The Musical will be returning to the stage in Leeds next year

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.

We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.

There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.

But first, allow us to tell you all about them...

Domo

Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.

Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.

Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.

Read more: A look inside Leeds’ first Sardinian restaurant serving soul food on the water’s edge

Made Matcha

165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.

Kontrast

84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB⁠

Images: The Hoot Leeds

After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds.
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Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.⁠

Read more: Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch

Pardon Me

Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey LS28 5UJ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist.⁠
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With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.⁠

Read more: Inside Pardon Me – Leeds’ newest neighbourhood record bar inspired by Japan

Silver's Bakehouse

62 Town Street, Farsley, LS28 5LF

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.

The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.

Read more: Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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