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Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards

Rightly so.

Clementine Hall - 8th October 2026

Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.

If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.

Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.

We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.

Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.

She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.

"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."

Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.

"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.

"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.

"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall

Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.

If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.

Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.

Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.

This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.

Image: O Katsu

Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.

Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.

But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.

Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.

We don't know much abut the opening date just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.

There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.

One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.

Read more: Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer

Clementine Hall

A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.

Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.

Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.

And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.

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A post shared by Bite Twice 🍕🍕 (@bitetwicefoodreviews)

The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.

In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.

Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".

As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.

And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."

We will absolutely take that.

Read more: A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds