Insomnia Cookies is officially ready to open in Leeds city centre, serving up fresh-out-the-oven cookies into the early hours.
This brand-new bakery for the city already has sites over in Manchester, as well as in Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham.
At Insomnia Cookies, it's all about American-style cookies that are served at the perfect melt-in-the-middle temperature, pulled out of the oven to order.
As well as those super-soft, super-sweet cookies, there's a menu of ice cream, shakes, brownies and blondies.
And you get get your cookies squashed around scoops of ice cream for the ultimate 'cookie 'wich' sweet treat.
The best news of all? Insomnia Cookies is open until 3am, seven days a week.
Classic flavours include white chocolate and macadamia, churro cheesecake, and M&Ms, with a whole menu of deluxe cookies and specials.
Look out for the red velvet filled with cheesecake, the French toast frosting filled, and the 'Mary Jane' with sprinkles and Oreo, when the new Leeds store opens this weekend.
Insomnia Cookies is opening in Leeds this week. Credit: The Hoot LeedsInside the new Insomnia Cookies in Leeds. Credit: The Hoot LeedsA cookie ice cream sandwich. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Insomnia Cookies will have a huge giveaway to celebrate its opening on Merrion Street.
The first person in the queue will be given a year's supply of cookies, then the first 50 people will be given Insomnia Cookies merch.
And there'll be free cookies for everyone who turns up, plus prizes up for grabs.
Insomnia Cookies opens on Saturday 21 June from 4pm at 2 Merrion Street - don't miss it.
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."
Daisy Jackson -
17th June 2025 
