Community Cutlery in Ilkley is a must-visit for any avid chef or homeware lover.
Nestled on Leeds Road in the somewhat 'trendy' area of the beautiful spa town of Ilkley, you'll find Community Cutlery - a speciality kitchenware shop that's been standing proudly for five years.
Run by Gaz Heaton who really, really knows his stuff - here you'll find the largest selection of Japanese knives outside of London as well as the most beautiful collection of kitchenware you've ever seen.
Everything is tried and tested, from the teapots to the matcha mixing bowls, so you know you're getting the very best of the best whatever you decide to take home.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Of course, buying kitchen knives can be daunting at first, but Gaz is so welcoming and makes you feel right at home.
He'll ask you a few questions, what your knife's main purpose will be, what you're used to currently, and from then you'll be able to chop a few carrots on the Community Cutlery chopping board to see which one takes your fancy.
Once you've taken your knife home you can come back instore for their knife sharpening service, to make sure it stays sharp and in perfect condition.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's a shop that proves that the British high street in fact is not dead just yet, with customers flocking from far and wide to visit the shop for Gaz's expertise and incredible selection of products.
You can seriously get everything here, from aesthetically pleasing pepper mills and adorable butter dishes to handcrafted chopping boards and Japanese ceramics.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
They've even got Community Cutlery merch which would make the perfect present, in fact anything in that Aladdin's cave would.
You can find out more about Community Cutlery here.
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
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If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.
10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Summer is here and the sun has got its hat on, so there's only one place for it.
It's not often that it's hot enough to sit outside and enjoy a cold, crisp pint here in England.
So when it is, we've got to take advantage of it and spend as much time as possible basking in that sweet sunshine.
We've chosen 10 of our favourite beer gardens and rooftop bars for you to gather with your mates, have a couple pints and soak up those rays. Just promise us you won't forget your suncream.
Green Room
36 Wellington St, LS1 2DE
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Whether it be a weekday or weekend, Green Room's sprawling roof terrace right in the centre of town is always busy and buzzing with an electric atmosphere.
Here you'll find pints from local breweries, cocktails, spritzes as well as live DJs and foodie popups.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS
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Fancy a pint with a lovely chilled atmosphere and relaxing canal side views? Waterlane Boathouse is the one for you.
There's plenty of seats in their beer garden meaning you won't be waiting long if it's full, and there's always some banging drink offers on too so you can get more booze for your buck.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave St, LS2 8JP
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Now this one is an absolute classic, especially for the students - but all for good reason.
Their rooftop terrace offers plenty of spaces for large groups around painted picnic benches, parasols and pergolas cover the immediate sunlight so that basking in the heat is manageable without having to keep your sunnies on all afternoon. You've have to walk a fair amount of steps to get to the top though, but it's well worth it.
The Original Oak
2 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2DG
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The Original Oak in Headingley is a favourite for all ages, but if you’re a student looking for some sports action, you’ll feel quite at home at this Otley Run stop.
You can catch the latest Leeds United games throughout the rest of the season in the sunlight as the pub shows all the sports on their huge outdoor TV screen and you can bet that there will be plenty of space for you to join the crowd.
Headrow House
19a The Headrow, LS1 6PU
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Just like Belgrave, Headrow House has a rooftop beer garden that offers panoramic city views.The beer garden is decked out with greenery between the picnic benches and truly does offer an intimate hiding place from the city centre down below.
They've also always got some great DJs playing, so if you're looking for a spot to transition from day to night - this is the one.
Whitelock's Ale House
Turk's Head Yard, LS1 6HB
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Leeds' oldest pub, Whitelock's Ale House, is tucked away off Briggate at Turk's Head Yard. Here you'll find a gorgeous terrace with wooden booths that are decorated with festoon lighting and covers for if the heavens open. Which let's be honest, is a regular occurance.
Beck and Call
Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP
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Nestled in lovely Chapel Allerton, the Beck and Call is a proper family pub with a sprawling beer garden. No frills, great drinks and plenty of room to soak up the sun. What more could you want?
A Nation of Shopkeepers
26-27 Cookridge St, LS2 3AG
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Nation of Shopkeepers' beer garden is one of the worst kept secrets in Leeds, but given it's a full courtyard's worth of outdoor drinking space right in the heart of the city, it's not exactly a surprise that everyone loves drinking here.
Serving up food and drink into the early hours basking in the sun trap or sheltering from a midday shower under the umbrella and pergola, this is an ideal day drinking spot for all weather in Leeds.
Piglove by the River
Clarence Rd, LS10 1EE
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If you're a real beer fan, then get yourself to Piglove Brewery where just outside of town you'll find a sunny oasis that'll have you feeling like you're outside of Leeds entirely.
Their riverside taproom right next to the River Aire features riverside benches for the sunny days and a heated indoor area for the rainier ones, open from Wednesday to Sunday.
White Cloth Hall
27 Crown Street, LS2 7DA
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Leeds' newest all-day drinking and dining destination, White Cloth Hall, has a lovely sun-drenched terrace for you to enjoy. This is a fab spot if you fancy some fabulous street food, from Mexican tacos and steak sandwiches to charcuterie boards and fluffy focaccia pizza slices.
The drinks are also class too, with a great wine list and plenty of expertly crafted cocktails to choose from.