We were lucky enough to stay at the city's newest hotel and restaurant, and what a treat it was.
It's not often you get to stay in a hotel in your own city, so when we were given the opportunity to dive into a plush bed at the brand-new Hotel Indigo we jumped at the chance.
You've probably stayed at a Hotel Indigo in your time, with locations across the globe they offer reliable stays where you're made to feel very welcome as soon as you step foot through the door.
And their new site in Leeds is absolutely no exception.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
First of all, the location is top tier. Sitting pretty on Lower Briggate just behind the train station, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city and looking to explore.
Within minutes you can be sipping a cocktail on Call Lane or browsing the shops on Briggate, what more could you want?
Next, the rooms - and this is where it gets exciting. Acting as a real love letter to the city, each floor of the Hotel Indigo represents a different part of Leeds history.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From dice-shaped chairs to reflect Leeds' involvement in the invention of board games to rock and roll-inspired coat hooks as a nod to the city's amazing music heritage, not one single detail has been overlooked.
Each room is chic and carefully curated, complete with one of the comfiest beds we've ever had the pleasure of laying our heads on.
And of course, the views were spectacular - our room overlooked the iconic Leeds bridge where the first moving picture was shot back in 1888. You can't get more Leeds then that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Once checking in we had to pop downstairs to sample their brand new restaurant, The Banksia.
Run with Craig Rogan at the helm, we knew it was going to be good and it really was. The menu features a range of mediterranean small plates from soft lamb rump and tuna tartare to hummus which is made to your own taste table side.
The dining room itself features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lower Briggate making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, enjoy a few small plates and sip on a couple of cocktails (which were all fantastic by the way).
The service was faultless, our waitress Scarlett was particularly lovely and for a restaurant that's only been open a few weeks the entire experience was slick and seamless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're spending the night at Hotel Indigo, make it a priority to visit the Banksia whether dining or stopping by for a drink or two.
Or, you could even enjoy their breakfast in bed which of course we absolutely did.
After a blissful nights sleep we placed our order via the neon orange telephone and within moments we were sipping on hot coffee, juices and refreshing açai bowls in bed. Now that is luxury.
Overall, from the moment we were greeted by the fantastic front of house team to the minute we sadly waved them goodbye, our night's stay at the Hotel Indigo was nothing short of exceptional.
It made us feel like a tourist in our own city and whether you're looking to do the same or visiting the city from elsewhere, we couldn't recommend it any more.
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2025 
