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

What a place.

Clementine Hall - 9th September 2025

Lashings of frozen margaritas and vibrant, traditional dishes - it doesn't get more authentic than this.

There are a few restaurants in Leeds that have reached cult status, and we'd say that Lupe's Mexican Cantina on Cardigan Road has gained that accolade.

This family-run, no frills spot has been serving authentic Mexican dishes for almost a decade now.

All the recipes used are passed down from head chef Rudy's family, and if you're not familiar with Mexican cuisine then they're more than happy to talk you through the menu.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Of course you've got your classics like the homemade guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips, quesadillas and tacos, but it's the other stuff on the menu that gets us really excited like the sea bass in green mole and the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce.

Seriously, we were spooning the sauce into our mouths with a spoon by the end of it.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It's also a great spot for those who are gluten free, as most dishes can be made with corn tortillas rather than flour.

There's a big outdoor terrace perfect for sipping some frozen margaritas in the sunshine, whilst the inside is cosy and adorned with vibrant orange accents and nods to Mexico.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The service is comforting and warm, and the prices are unbelievably reasonable for the quality of food and the ingredients used.

If you're looking to enjoy something different then your average meal out, then Lupe's Cantina is your best bet and we wouldn't be surprised if it becomes your favourite spot in the city.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

A Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in one of Leeds’ coolest venues

Daisy Jackson A Yorkshire BBQ restaurant has opened in one of Leeds' coolest venues

A Yorkshire BBQ restaurant has opened in one of Leeds' coolest venues

A new Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in Leeds city centre, with sandwich fillings cooked over open flame.

Mandy's Barbecue has taken over the kitchens at The Attic - already one of the city's coolest spaces - serving sourdough sarnies by day and small plates in the evenings.

It's brilliant news for The Attic, after their last resident, Fener Bar, closed after just two months after launching.

Headed up by chef Easher Panesar, whose CV includes the former Michelin-starred Man Behind The Curtain, Mandy's has a proudly Yorkshire menu.

He's created a menu of sandwiches with all the fillings cooked over an open fire barbecue, from BBQ rump steak to a Korean chicken thigh.

And when he says it's a Yorkshire barbecue, Easher means it - meat comes from Neil Smith Quality Butcher, fish is from Kirkgate Market (either S Myer's or Tarbett's Fishmongers), and he sources his veg from a local fruit and veg stand.

And the bread is proudly local too, sourced from Leeds indie Bluebird Bakery.

Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire

Mandy's Barbecue has opened in The Attic, taking over what was previously Fener Bar — Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire

Once the sarnie menu ends at around 3pm, he pivots into small plates, like Jerk mackerel, BBQ sirloin with kimchi, lamb neck with pea puree, and a dark chocolate ganache with olive oil.

There's a new bespoke cocktail menu, created thanks to celebrated Leeds bartender Sands (who you might recognise from Rinse and Bottle Chop).

Priced at just £8 each, that includes classics like Negroni, Old Fashioned, Aperol spritz, Pineapple Daiquiri, and martinis.

Mandy's Barbecue is open at The Attic in Leeds now.

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.

The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.

That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.

That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.

And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.

The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.

The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.

Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.

Inside The Moot in Leeds

The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms — Inside The Moot in Leeds

Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.

"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.

"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."

Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.

When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.

Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."

New artwork in the windows

Leeds Leeds Leeds — New artwork in the windows

Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.

The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.

For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.

She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.

"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds