There's never been a better time to test out vegan food.
Another year has passed, and as January fast approaches, the new year's resolutions start to pile up. Promises of dry January are made in a hungover state, but we all know as soon as we're back in work and celebrating a birthday, a wedding, getting through a Monday... whatever your excuse, we know sometimes these promises are made in good faith but in reality won't last more than a few days.
Veganuary is a new, new year's trend where a person goes vegan for the month of January and is a new year's resolution that's far easier to stick to than giving up booze or your favourite takeaway- especially now there are so many vegan options around.
In Leeds, we're overwhelmed with vegan options, in fact, there's not a restaurant we've seen now that doesn't offer a plant-based alternative and we bet that you can find a healthy alternative to your usual meaty or dairy-based meals.
Banyan is offering 50% off all dishes in January. / Image: Banyan Bar
Banyan is taking veganuary to the next level and ensuring you don't have to break the bank or pause your 30-day-challenge for the sake of a night out.
On the menu, you'll find a perfect January detox dish– the Tofu Revitalise Bowl, a nourishing mix of butternut squash, red and golden beets, avocado and quinoa.
For a heartier option, their Meatless Meatball Melt, topped with melted vegan cheeze and spicy marinara sauce will make the perfect lunch but if you’re looking for a dish bursting with flavour, Banyan’s South Indian Curry features an array of vegetables and Indian spices, proving that the days of bland vegan food are far behind us.
Oh, and did we mention there's 50% off all dishes in January? Veganuary has never been more accessible- just make sure to read the T&Cs on the Banyan website as the offer is only valid on selected days, when you pre book your table.
This does mean that your meat-eating mates can also grab their plates at half the price too- so there's absolutely no excuses for now getting yourselves down for a midweek treat.
Running from Tuesday 4th January 2022, veganuary has inspired and supported more than half a million people to try going vegan during their 2021 campaign – with participants from over 200 countries and territories. This year, we can only hope more people get involved in this one month challenge to eat sustainably without compromising on flavour and flair.
Banyan has truly put down roots in Leeds, with locations in City Centre, Horsforth, Roundhay and Ilkley, as well as further afield locations like York, Harrogate, Manchester (Spinningfields and The Corn Exchange) and Newcastle- and you can grab your veganuary foodie fix at any one of their locations.
Banyan is the ideal spot for a vegan-friendly evening out. / Image: Banyan Bar
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
