There's a gorgeous little seafood stall at Kirkgate Market selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.60 a pop - and after just one taste I've already fallen completely, head over heels in love with the place.
Called Hayes Seafood, it is run by a lovely couple who tell me their stall has been a fixture on Kirkgate's Meat and Fish Row for 38 years now. In these days and times, sticking around for that long is no mean feat.
Their popularity, I soon learn, is well-earned. Stopping by at the start of the lunch rush, the stall is already busy but as the hour goes by the queues really start to form as old and young alike jostle in line for their fix.
Image: The Hoot Eats
Specialising in locally sourced Yorkshire crab, oysters and more, Hayes' glass display counters are broken up by small corner tables, with room for just five covers to sit down on little wooden stools and snack on some of Leeds' freshest seafood at any one time.
I'll admit, the cute little counter seating has caught my eye on visits to the market before but I've foolishly walked past many times without sampling its delights.
To give you an idea of how long I've spent umming and erring, not wanting to eat alone, when I first spotted Hayes its oysters were actually only £1. It's ironic, then, that I end up doing just that - and on Valentine's Day, of all days.
Image: The Hoot Eats
A lone single amongst groups of couples, I wait my turn for a seat feeling a little awkward. As soon as I sit down, though, a warm and genuine greeting puts me completely at ease. I confess I felt a little silly, having put off the pleasure for so long.
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. On my flyby lunchtime visit, I'm given a choice of two different oyster styles: super salty Irish Points and the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
I opt for a couple of each, left to garnish them myself with squeezes of fresh lemon, sharp, pickled shallots, and a few fiery dashes of Tabasco. It's a quick lunch but a pleasurable one, and I even manage to make a single oyster-eating friend.
Also on the counter, there are handpicked Kings Lynn whelks, king prawns and mussels, as well as some vegan-friendly options such as prawn-flavoured 'shapes' and imitation lobster tails - perfect for those plant-based people that miss their seafood.
The only thing I'm missing is a nice glass of wine, although a friend tells me he has gone down with his own bottle of Moscato before and had no trouble so I might try that on my next trip down.
Well worth a visit, after popping by it's easy to see why this charming seafood stall has lasted in the market for three generations. Long may it continue.
Feature image - The Hoot Eats
Feature
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Georgina Pellant -
14th February 2023 
