Cheese lovers assemble, because The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival will be returning this October.
It just doesn't get much cheddar than this.
Okay fine. Enough with the cheese puns, let's get down to business.
If you're a sucker for a good cheese board then you're going to want to block off this weekend in October for four days of un-brie-lievable fun.
Image: Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
Seriously we will stop now.
Taking place from Friday 11 to Sunday 14 October 2024, the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2024 will celebrate the incredible produce of the Yorkshire Dales across local businesses throughout the National Park.
This festival will welcome cheese lovers from all walks of life looking to enjoy some delicious food and drink whilst overlooking the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
The festival features over 50 local businesses hosting special events from cheesy tasting menus and pairing sessions to mark the occasion.
Images: Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
It will be a true celebration of local produce, from ales and gins to meats, breads and preserves.
The festival throughout the National Park aims to celebrate the rich tradition of cheese-making and local produce in the stunning setting of the Yorkshire Dales.
Their website reads: "One weekend may not be long enough to pack in everything delicious that the Dales has to offer, but we’re going to give it a good try.
Image: Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
"Look out for cheesy bites and themed dishes in local cafes and restaurants, demos using local produce, cookery courses, dining experiences, Yorkshire gin and ales, specially created dairy ice creams and sorbets, jams, jellies and chutneys, locally-reared meat on menus, and the chance to meet the makers."
Sounds absolutely class if you ask us.
To find out more about The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2024, take a look at their website.
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 -
20th June 2024 
