Opening late last year, The Melbourne brings together the people of Oakwood with drinks, board games and pop-ups from local independents.
From the same team behind The Brunswick, expect a lovely selection house drinks with IPAs, cask ales and good old fashioned pints available every single day of the week.
And it’s not just beer they serve here, the cocktail list is an ode to the classics and are made as they should be.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Every Thursday you can grab a pint and a grilled cheese toastie for £9 - and with a sun-trapped outdoor seating area and plenty of cosy corners to tuck yourself into, it's the ideal spot to unwind from the day.
And who could forget about the endless hours you can lose to the board games here - wholesome night in the sunshine with a game of Ludo or Scrabble anyone?
The Melbourne is also a dog-friendly spot that has a stack of treats just waiting for your four legged friend to stop by.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are really behind the community and allow customers to bring in their own food neighbouring foodie spots and even the gorgeous ceramic plant pots come from local creatives.
Whilst there's BYOF and a few snacks on offer here, The Melbourne is playing host to local favourites like Bastards Bistro and Braizin' Squad to fuel all your foodie needs. Just check The Melbourne's Instagram here to find out when they've got chefs in the kitchen.
Anyone that loves a good DIY project won't stop staring at the walls here. Adorned with photographs of the restoration project of the bar, it's a great way to see the before and after of The Melbourne.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
16th June 2023 
