Nobody will ever complain about you posting your dinner online when it looks like this.
Hot dogs are currently undergoing a bit of a transformation. Long gone are the days of dry, meat from, undetermined animals that taste of rubber and disappointment. These days, you'll find all the flavour in vegan and veggie dogs, with the likes of Fat Annie's at Kirkgate Market and Knaves paving the way to a new hot dog season.
Leading the new era of hot dogs over in Sheffield is Pom's Kitchen. Now stay with us, the short journey over the Pennines is more than worth it for some of the most Instagrammable food around.
These hot dogs are also something that Leeds can't offer you: they're neon and come with edible flowers.
Behold, the Chippy D. Inspired by a British traditional chippy and the warm colours of the Australian coastline, this hot dog features mushy peas, crispy scraps, tartare sauce and seasoned with salt and vinegar.
Best eaten straight out of the papers, the neon coloured hot dog bun alone will have you transported Down Under despite the freezing temperatures here in England.
Pom's Kitchen is a bakery that knows what people need: making their menu effortless, but ever-changing, with plenty of specials. This means that all their menu is not always available, so even if you can't get your hands on a Chippy D in December, there's no reason you won't see it reappear on the menu sometime soon.
Rainbow bagels are filled with Biscoff spread and banana at Pom's. / Image: Pom's Kitchen
As you'd imagine, the hot and cold drinks carry the same finesse and include freakshakes and smoothies with inspiring names like Sydney Sunset, with raspberry, pineapple and orange, or Sun Salute, made from mango, orange, ginger and turmeric.
Inspired by Australian cuisine and bold colours, Pom’s Kitchen is a bright, fun-filled cafe where even the bagels are treated with the utmost precision. Since we won’t be travelling to Australia any time soon, the laid-back vibes inside Pom’s Kitchen are the closest you’ll get to Byron Bay this year.
To get your neon hot dog, you'll have to get on the train to Sheffield and head over to Pom's Kitchen, but for more information in advance of your trip, you can always visit their Instagram page.
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."
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
