The 'Stuck in the Past' taster menu is inspired by 'dishes close to Cottam's heart', with comforting and familiar flavours, it's set to be a proper winter feast.
Think Porcini and Black Trompette ‘Baked Alaska’ with black garlic and sherry and Glazed Pork Belly with macadamia and ginger pork sauce.
The second mirror keeps much of its dishes under wraps: aptly named Smoke and Mirror, the menu explores how sight, smell and taste affects the dining experience.
The new menus come as 'the chef has decided to resist the temptation to follow many of the nation’s top restaurants to discount, dumb down and ultimately change what they stand for to survive. Cottam has made the choice to celebrate the joy of dining out'.
There's also a new non-alcoholic drink pairing option that brings a unique combination of juice, aromas, waters, infusions, ferments and more, each designed to perfectly match the dishes and entertain guests.
Image: Supplied, PGHL
Speaking on the new multi-sensory menus, Cottam said:
“Stuck in the Past” is a menu that celebrates the dishes that hold a special place in my heart. Each plate is a modern twist on a classic flavour combination that I absolutely adore.
Some of these dishes have been a part of my life for a long time, going back decades, while others are more recent discoveries. But they all have one thing in common – they evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, reminding me of the first time I tasted them.
2023 was the most challenging of all the recent years so far. I have no idea what 2024 will hold for us, trading conditions out there are hugely unpredictable right now, but what I can and will control is what we create inside my restaurant’.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
23rd January 2024 
