A new Indian bistro has opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, promising authentic dishes that span the length and breadth of Indian cuisine.
The Crossing Indian Bistro has ventured to Leeds for its first-ever UK restaurant, having already established sites in Paris, Dubai and Nice.
It comes from chef-founder Ankur Chakraborty, who has drawn on his family history for inspiration - his dad used to work for the Indian Railways, and it introduced Ankur to the incredible variety in flavours, tastes, and dishes of different regions across India.
That’s the heart and soul of The Crossing, celebrating the ingredients and techniques that have shaped the country’s vibrant cuisine.
The modern take on regional Indian cuisine will include traditional recipes but contemporary techniques, for signature dishes like Railway Lamb Curry, Alleppey Prawn Curry (inspired by Kerala’s backwaters), and a Madras Mutton Pepper Fry.
You’ll also find delicious small plates like gunpowder prawns, Kerala fried chicken, dal moradabadi, and The Crossing chaat bowl.
And as for dessert, expect dishes like the Goan-Portuguese influenced Mango Serradura, and the Dubai date toffee pudding, served with homemade carrot halwa ice cream.
At lunchtimes diners can tuck into a £15 thali deal, served in traditional silverware, and including a main curry, Zeera Aloo, Saag Makai, dal of the day, raita, house pickles, steamed basmati rice, and a choice of freshly-baked tandoor bread.
Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country. Credit: TheTravelBuds
The Crossing Indian Bistro chose to open its first UK site in Chapel Allerton after being inspired by the area’s independent spirit and strong neighbourhood identity.
Ankur Chakraborty, Chef-Founder of The Crossing Indian Bistro and co-founder of Lemon Butter, said: “The Crossing is built on the idea that India is not one cuisine, but thousands of local food cultures connected by movement, exchange and memory.
“The railways helped those cultures meet as people travelled, allowing recipes to cross regions and flavours to evolve. We’ve reflected this in the menu, which takes guests on a journey through India, where they can discover lesser-known dishes inspired by its different regions.
“Chapel Allerton feels like the right first home for us in the UK with its strong identity and an independent, community-minded spirit. We hope to add something distinctive to that neighbourhood, with an expression of modern India that is regionally rooted, generous and full of discovery.”
The Crossing Indian Bistro has already opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, and is offering 50% off all food until 31 August as it settles into the Leeds suburb.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Daisy Jackson -
21st August 2026 
