The Skyliner over in Whitkirk is nothing short of a Leeds institution.
You just can't beat a good old fish and chips.
Whether you like yours with a pot of mushy peas on the side, smothered in lashings of salt and vinegar or squashed together in a buttered roll - it's an absolute British classic.
And we've got plenty of iconic fish and chip shops in Leeds but there's one which takes the biscuit, and that's The Skyliner in Whitkirk.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now run by third generation owners Alf and his wife Sam Meeham, the restaurant has been in the family since it was opened by grandfather Johnny over 60 years ago.
And what about the name? Well, The Skyliner originated all the way from New York if you can believe it.
Johnny's wife Ellen spotted the Skyliner Diner with its name in neon lights when visiting and knew she had to replicate her own back in East Leeds.
And the rest, as they say...is history.
Not only does The Skyliner have a wonderful backstory, but their fish and chips are some of the best in the area.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Using only the best wild caught Icelandic haddock and quality potatoes which are then cooked in the finest beef dripping, everything is done with love, care and precision to give you the best chippy tea imaginable.
They're also serving up great tapas boards with all the trimmings which you can enjoy in their gorgeous sunny terrace.
So next time you're fancying a proper fish and chips, pop to The Skyliner and say hello to Alf and Sam - we can assure you that you'll be welcomed with open arms.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
14th August 2025 
