Leeds is about to feel the heat this summer as Uyare announces the launch of a new cocktail and bar food menu.
It's all in celebration of spring and the restaurant's first birthday.
If you haven't ever visited Uyare's rooftop then let us tell you, it is a beautiful spot.
Set high above the city in Victoria Leeds, the super-stylish rooftop destination boasts jawdropping panoramic city views, heated outdoor seating and a stellar food and drink menu.
It's the perfect pre-dinner cocktail spot as well as a standalone bar experience with tables available to book exclusively for drinks.
And where's better than a rooftop bar during the summer season?
Guests can expect a brand-new small plates menu that are perfect for sharing, a curated selection of signature cocktails and a new bottomless brunch available every weekend.
The brunch includes tapas dishes with side and bottomless drinks from £40 and there’ll also be monthly jazz nights adding a sophisticated laid-back atmosphere.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The cocktail menu features 12 signature ‘flavour forward’ creations that take inspiration from Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Alongside the signature cocktails, the menu also introduces four Kerala-centric drinks designed to take guests on a journey through the region.
Opened in June 2025, Uyare was born from the success of Tharavadu, one of Leeds’ best-loved restaurants.
After more than eleven years of welcoming celebrities, food lovers and discerning diners from across the globe, the team expanded the Tharavadu family to create Uyare, a premium rooftop dining destination bringing refined South Indian cuisine and elevated city views to the Leeds skyline.
Image: Supplied
Founder Siby Jose said; “Uyare is all about energy, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to our rooftop bar this summer. While Leeds has a vibrant cocktail scene, many menus are built around classic recipes or rely heavily on syrups. Our new menu takes a different approach, focusing on real ingredients and culinary techniques to create bold, layered flavours.
“Our vision is to create a destination where you can book just for drinks or gather with friends and experience something special above the city. We are really excited about our new menu, which we think will satisfy and delight everyone’s tastes, whether you’re popping in for cocktails at golden hour or settling in for a full small-plates feast and soaking up the atmosphere!”
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."
Clementine Hall -
12th March 2026 
