It's that time of the year again where we see the top floor of Trinity change about to make way for some brand new talent.
And let us tell you we're in for a right treat.
From warming poutine to specialty hash browns, there's going to be something to everyone's fancy to get us through the winter months (well until 9 March 2024 at least).
Little Red Eats
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Hoot recommends: There’s a range of gluten free options available here, just ask the vendor for all the information you need.
Little Red Eats has become a Trinity Kitchen staple - and so its return for 2024 is no surprise - and nonetheless welcomed by locals waiting on their next burger or fried chicken fix. Expect Cheesy, Smoky, Blue and Veggie options here alongside fries drenched in sauces, jalapeño poppers and much more.
Spuds & Bros
Hoot recommends: Cluck Norris Poutine, it’s traditional poutine packed with creamy cheese curds and potatoes before being topped with chicken, bacon, halloumi, crispy onions, chives and baconnaise.
Hot off the back of the Leeds Christmas Markets, Spuds & Bros are back for 2024.
Spuds & Bros Poutine needs no introduction if you’re a regular eater in the city centre. Serving up a concoction of cheesy, chippy, gravy filled bowls of winter warmer food, Spuds & Bros have poutine to serve the masses. Inspired by the taste of Canadian poutine, we recommend the halloumi serving, but any of their flavours are lip-smacking good.
Shouk!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What’s the deal? Shouk! pita, fries and a drink for £12.50 or swap for a beer for £14
Those that have been visiting Trinity Kitchen over the past few years will recognise the return of Middle Eastern foodie favourite, Shouk!
The menu here includes refreshing vegan and vegetarian friendly meals, with vegan chicken shawarma, falafel pieces and halloumi available in wrap or salad-style bowls- each of which make the perfect light summertime lunch.
You might have spotted the black dog logo at Chow Down previously, or at a pop-up around the city, but now Nicko's Comfort Kitchen is settling into Trinity Kitchen for the next eight weeks.
Expect smash burgers, gourmet hash browns and shroom burgers aplenty, these guys do exactly what it says on the tin: proper good old fashioned comfort food.
New to Trinity Kitchen for 2024 is Hoi Sin City. The street food truck plans to open up a permanent location right here in Leeds, but for the time being is operating from the shopping centre's top floor from the recycled cars we all know and love.
On the menu, there's salt and pepper or hoisin baos, loaded fries, spring rolls - and even a nostalgic childhood option of potato smileys, with a twist.
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
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 -
16th January 2024 
