Eats

Chophaus is bringing a new outdoor heated terrace to Oakwood from 12th April

The team behind the popular steakhouse and bar are also launching their most ambitious menus to date.

The Hoot The Hoot - 6th April 2021

One of Leeds' most popular steakhouse restaurants is set to launch the largest outdoor heated terrace in Oakwood next week.

Ahead of the further easing of national lockdown restrictions as part of the government's roadmap on 12th April, Chophaus - based in Roundhay Park - has announced it's "bouncing back with plans that are set to rock 2021" by unveiling a brand-new outdoor heated terrace, alongside some of its most ambitious menus to date. 

The outdoor terrace's complete overhaul will comfortably seat 80 guests and has been designed by the award-winning Nanu Soda, who first worked their magic on the stunning Chophaus interiors back in 2019.

Flanked by the lush green trees that surround the restaurant, the cosy heated terrace will no doubt become one of the places to be in Leeds this summer. 

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That's not all either, as Chophaus has also teamed up with celebrated Scottish-born chef, Lee Murdoch - who has had an illustrious career since it began back in 2003, working around the globe picking up awards in several Michelin restaurants and five-star hotels - to create a collection of menus that are designed to capture the interest of the city's foodies.

Taking inspiration from around Asia, Europe and beyond, Lee has created "a stunning array of dishes" for the new menu, which includes Truffle Puffs with black garlic sauce, and smoked sea salt and Fior Fries with aged Parmigiana making up the lighter bar plates section, whilst the larger plates are split across four sections.

Highlights from the raw and sushi menu include the refreshing Salmon Tartar Tacos with grapefruit and a lime crème Fraiche, California Crab Rolls, Spicy Tuna Gunmaki and Kumamoto Oysters with yuzu and galea apple.

If you're looking for a lighter bite, the salads and seafood menu includes Sauteed King Prawn with chipotle and mango olive oil, and Miso Wild Bass with sake, mirin, and ginger. 

Chophaus | Will Stanley Photography

The 'Signature & Charcoal' section offers up a mouth-watering range of steak plates too.

And when it comes to dessert, the sweet and savoury offerings include Moji by Murdoch with honeycomb, raspberry, and milk chocolate, Coconut Edible with mango sorbet and tropical salsa, and a Foie Gras Crumpet with manuka honey and pink pepper. 

The summer cocktail menu will also be on hand to complement the new plates.

You can find more information on menus and advanced bookings ahead of reopening next week via the Chophaus website.

Featured Image Credit - Chophaus | Gemma Bridge

Eats

Ireland’s famous fast food phenomenon, the spice bag, has landed in Leeds Kirkgate Market

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

You can now grab the ultimate hangover cure at our very own Kirkgate Market.

And it comes from none other than The Fisherman's Wife - a Leeds institution that has been serving up fantastic fish and chips for over 60 years.

But now, they're turning their attention to spice bags.

If you have no idea what we're talking about then allow us to fill you in. And we'd recommend pouring yourself an ice cold glass of water, because it's about to get real salty up in here.

The spice bag is an Irish delicacy that is often devoured after a few Guinness on the streets of Dublin, for example.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It consists of shredded and battered chicken, chips, onions and peppers - all deep fried, loaded into a bag and tossed in lashings of salt and pepper seasoning.

Oh, and of course dipped or lathered in a sauce of your choosing. The classic being curry sauce, obviously.

It's been available in Leeds once before at a pop-up in Trinity Kitchen, but now The Fisherman's Wife is here to make them a permanent option for anyone with that salty craving.

You've got a couple of flavours to choose from too, including peri-peri, plain, salt & chilli and of course the classic salt & pepper.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

You can then add a drizzle of sriracha, curry sauce (obviously) or sticky honey if you're looking for that sweet and salty balance.

The best part? They're selling these for just £6.50.

So next time you've had a few too many the night before, get yourself to The Fisherman's Wife inside Leeds Kirkgate Market's food hall and get yourself a spice bag. You'll be cured in no time.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.

Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.

Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.

So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...

Watch a game at Headingley Stadium

St Michael's Lane, Headingley

Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.

This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.

Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop

14 Weetwood Lane

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.

Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.

Read more: The very best wine bars in Leeds for you to enjoy a glass or two

Slurp ramen at TADA

6 Otley Road

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.

It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.

Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House

Brudenell Road

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.

They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.

Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle

12 Otley Road

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.

Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?

Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina

204 Cardigan Road

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.

It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.

Read more: Inside Lupe’s Cantina – the family-run Mexican restaurant that’s been serving Leeds for a decade

Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.

From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.

Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro

77A Otley Road

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.

Complete the Otley Run

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.

It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.

Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.

Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.

Read more: How to spend a weekend in Chapel Allerton – one of Leeds’ most loved suburbs

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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