This will be the fourth spot in the city to serve Slap & Pickle's giant smash burgers.
The burger joint has been around Leeds for well over a decade, operating first as Dogtown, a giant loaded hot dog street food venture, before diversifying into the burger business.
It's been a whirlwind few years for the indie, and you can now find Slap and Pickle all over Leeds, including now at Brewery Tap just moments from Leeds Train Station.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Slap and Pickle is best known in Leeds for its filthy smash burgers, loaded fries and extensive vegan range – and has seen its fair share of venue takeovers over the last few years.
Previously you might have spotted the burger kitchen operating at the likes of Assembly Underground and Beer Hawk until both bar’s abrupt closure in December 2022, or at The Old King’s Arms in Horsforth and Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen in Chapel Allerton in 2023.
Slap and Pickle now operate inside The Venue in Horsforth, Brooklyn on Call Lane, as well as at and serving at The Wardrobe, curing those pre-gig hunger pangs and appetite for a hearty bottomless brunch on the weekends.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The burgers themselves are reason alone to venture down. Think rich Swaledale patties smashed and grilled before being piled high with cheese, bacon, onion rings and enough house sauce to keep you going all night long.
But the loaded fries are just as exciting: think vegan duck, fried chicken or even sprinkled bits of burger and sauce to create a beef-burger-loaded-fries hybrid dish.
The kitchen at Brewery Taps will be taken over from Big Buns, who can still be found at the newly opened Northern Market on Great George Street, and over at SALT Oakwood.
Image: Brewery Tap
At present, the opening date has been pencilled for 26 January 2024, and to mark the ocassion 150 free Limited-Edition Oklahoma Smash burgers will be given away on a first come first served basis.
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 -
16th January 2024 
