The latest on the Leeds club scene is bringing a taste of Havana to West Yorkshire.
After much anticipation, the new club-cafe Canal Club has opened its doors to visitors for the very first time.
Bringing a flavoursome menu of food and drink from around the world, the busy bar will be serving fresh fish, tasty tacos and more from their canalside location.
The menu is full of fresh-ingredient-dishes. / Image: Canal Club
The cafe-club has embraced the changes that the pandemic have brought to our lives, but the brand is keen to ensure that their pre-Covid globetrotting-inspired-decor can still take visitors on a trip to parties around the world whilst restrictions are still in place.
Iconic party hotspots such as Havana, LA and Miami will have nothing on Canal Club as new club-cafe effortlessly brings the best of all three to Leeds.
£1m has been invested in Canal Club to create a multisensory space. Living walls and ceilings, dripping with lush palm leaves and bougainvillaea are peppered throughout, whilst neon signage, twinkling lights and kitsch furnishings mean that no two tables are alike.
This exotic, tropical flair is designed to transport guests straight to a Havana-style club night that’s perfect to grab a few photos for the ‘gram, let your hair down and party like you’re under the tropical heat of the Caribbean.
Guests can also tuck into world tapas dishes and light bites like Beet Hummus Toast, sliders, salt and pepper squid and sweet potato crostini, day and night.
Cocktails are beautifully garnished and served in stunning glassware. Try a cherry Blossom ‘Tini, served Asian-style with sake and Cointreau, or turn up the heat by sipping on a spicy Strawberry and Coconut Margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila.
Image: Canal Club
The food and cocktails are playful and innovative, blending the familiar with the exotic to create menus filled with promise and temptation.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Operations Director Jade Renner said:
“It’s an eclectic space, with lots of picture-perfect fixtures and fittings. Our food and drinks are also exceptional and are presented in a way that adds to the whole experience for our guests.
“No stone has been left unturned. The pandemic gave us time to think about what it is that people are looking for when they socialise now.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people when we open next month because we do have to be seen to be believed.”
The Canal Club may have opened its doors, but visitors will have to wait until early 2022 to check out the Canal Cafe.
Opening its doors in Spring 2022, guests will be able to choose from a selection of coffees as well as grab ‘n’ go breakfast options and sweet treats. Think edible granola gardens and charcuterie jars, as well as freshly baked pastries almost too pretty to eat.
Of course, a new cafe-bar-club concept couldn’t open in Leeds without a bottomless brunch option.
On weekends, step things up a gear in the highly anticipated venue and grab a bottomless brunch from a plentiful menu designed to delight.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
10th December 2021 
