Leeds is full of lockdown success stories, but the ever-humble Cheesy Living Co. have had a whirlwind year like no other.
The Cheesy Living Co. has made a considerable stamp on the Leeds foodie scene after opening less than a year ago. Whether you met Jake and Soph at the Corn Exchange or whilst visiting the Savvy Baker, the pop-up cheese and charcuterie specialists have been cooking up quite a storm.
The Cheesy Living Co. is the small independent bringing a whole world of cheese to Leeds that you need to know about. You can find them around Leeds, but you can also grab all things cheese and charcuterie online.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
The company create bespoke boxes of cheese, cured meats and accompaniments, as well as selling limited edition stock such as Spanish cheese, sweet rocky road salami and more.
The team of two: Jake Fischer, the 'big cheese' and Soph Branowsky, Creative Director, set out to take on the cheese scene after finding a gap on the market for locally sourced products during lockdown.
Founder Jake told us that: "Working in hospitality, when covid restrictions hit hard for the second time we decided that the time was right (and for our own sanity) to pursue a passion and love for all things cheese & charcuterie.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
"At first the idea was simply to bring together the best produce out there and to make it more accessible for people to enjoy, but we quickly found that quality of things being made here in the U.K. was just incredible! We thought why is this stuff not easier to get hold of?! And that’s when we decided to focus on British and locally sourced products."
Prior to this Jake was managing a cocktail and wine bar in Leeds city centre for four years, but had held different positions across the hospitality sector for over twelve years.
Since swapping the bar for business, the duo told us that the biggest lesson they learnt is "most importantly to take every opportunity that’s thrown at you and give it a go. You never really know what’s going to work until you try".
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Living by their own mantra, the company have secured 1500 followers on Instagram and grown a firm fan basis across Leeds city centre and beyond.
The duo are hoping to secure their first proper site where they can work from on a permanent basis. The pair have "found a location that provides an exciting opportunity for us to take the next step with the business".
Hoping to open their doors doors in spring 2022, located in Leeds city centre, we know that we're not the only ones excited about this next step for the Cheesy Living Co.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Reflecting on the past year, we asked the 'big cheese' himself what it's like to take on a new venture in lockdown and what's the best thing to come out of their career swap.
"It’s probably been getting to share what we love with so many people. Considering we only really launched 7 months ago we’ve a long way in that time.
"Having a good product is one part of it of course, but the rest is down to the incredible support we’ve had from family, friends and all of our customers… We have a lot of ambition and seeing that start to become a reality is such an incredible feeling.
"2021 has been such a tough year for so many people, so to be able to do what we’re passionate about on a daily basis is such a humbling feeling."
To get your cheese and charcuterie fix, you can visit the Cheesy Living Co's Instagram page to follow their journey to an official, permanent space and find out where the company will be popping up in the meantime too. Alternatively, to take their charcuterie boards for a taste test- head over to their website.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Sophie Smith -
4th January 2022 
