From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
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
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."
Clementine Hall -
7th August 2026 
