This will be the fourth spot in the city to serve Slap & Pickle's giant smash burgers.
The burger joint has been around Leeds for well over a decade, operating first as Dogtown, a giant loaded hot dog street food venture, before diversifying into the burger business.
It's been a whirlwind few years for the indie, and you can now find Slap and Pickle all over Leeds, including now at Brewery Tap just moments from Leeds Train Station.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Slap and Pickle is best known in Leeds for its filthy smash burgers, loaded fries and extensive vegan range – and has seen its fair share of venue takeovers over the last few years.
Previously you might have spotted the burger kitchen operating at the likes of Assembly Underground and Beer Hawk until both bar’s abrupt closure in December 2022, or at The Old King’s Arms in Horsforth and Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen in Chapel Allerton in 2023.
Slap and Pickle now operate inside The Venue in Horsforth, Brooklyn on Call Lane, as well as at and serving at The Wardrobe, curing those pre-gig hunger pangs and appetite for a hearty bottomless brunch on the weekends.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The burgers themselves are reason alone to venture down. Think rich Swaledale patties smashed and grilled before being piled high with cheese, bacon, onion rings and enough house sauce to keep you going all night long.
But the loaded fries are just as exciting: think vegan duck, fried chicken or even sprinkled bits of burger and sauce to create a beef-burger-loaded-fries hybrid dish.
The kitchen at Brewery Taps will be taken over from Big Buns, who can still be found at the newly opened Northern Market on Great George Street, and over at SALT Oakwood.
Image: Brewery Tap
At present, the opening date has been pencilled for 26 January 2024, and to mark the ocassion 150 free Limited-Edition Oklahoma Smash burgers will be given away on a first come first served basis.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
16th January 2024 
