The sky is quite literally the limit for Leeds' acclaimed restaurant Tharavadu, which has just announced a brand new venture.
The award-winning South Indian restaurant is set to launch a new rooftop restaurant and bar, taking over the old Issoh site at Victoria Gate.
The huge new space, UYARE, will be serving up the rich flavours and spirits of Kerala, in an impressive environment spanning 7,000 sq ft.
UYARE's rooftop restaurant will also be home to a new bar, Agni, with a curated selection of fine wines, champagnes, crafted cocktails and local craft beers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Tharavadu team will split the space into district areas, from the Bhoomi 'Earth' restaurant with small plates style of dining to the 'Fire' bar which has plans to host exclusive themed nights.
There'll be space inside for up to 300 guests, plus an impressive 15-person private dining room.
On the menu you'll find all the time-honoured techniques that have earned Tharavadu so much critical acclaim over the last decade, with an array of traditional Keralan dishes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Siby Jose, founder of Tharavadu, shared: "As Leeds is our hometown, we are deeply committed to staying local, and it’s a privilege to be part of this vibrant community.
"Opening our second venue, UYARE, in Leeds city centre is a significant milestone for us—a chance to celebrate our roots and offer something unique for the people of Leeds.
"This prime location in the city allows us to meet growing demand from our loyal customers, expand our offerings, and remain true to what we do best, delivering an authentic, flavourful, and memorable South Indian dining experience."
With UYARE, Tharavadu strengthens its commitment to Leeds, showcasing the diversity of South Indian cuisine in a space designed to provide both familiar comforts and new experiences.
You can follow UYARE on Instagram HERE for the latest updates.
One of Leeds' most popular independent bakeries has addressed a recent one-star review, which slammed them for being sold out of sandwiches.
Silver's Bakehouse, which comes from the same team behind Silver's Deli, suggested that the reviewer should 'work on their manners'.
The review hit out at the Farsley bakery for being sold out of sandwiches by the time they travelled 'an 80 minute round trip', describing owner Chris Riley as a 'silly man'.
The reviewer said they have been 'loyal high-spending customers since the first one opened' but wrote that they won't be visiting Silver's again after being left empty-handed.
They wrote: "It's all very good being mr instagram but things can go south very quickly silly man, make more sandwiches if you are going to be sold out in the first hour, don't risk the disappointment!!!"
Silver's Bakehouse has now publicly shared and responded to the review, stressing that they won't tolerate 'rudeness' and detailing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
He said: "Let me explain again for you, David…
Inside Silver's Bakehouse in Farsley. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
"We start baking at 5am and rarely finish before 6pm. Everything is made fresh, by hand, often taking days to prepare, in a very small bakery. You can literally see how small it is - and we utilise every inch.
"We make as much as we physically can. Sometimes we sell out earlier than we’d like, and we’re incredibly grateful that so many people want what we make. But there is, unfortunately, a limit to how much we can produce.
"For the record, I’m not overly enthused about being “Mr Instagram” - what a truly horrendous phrase to conjure up. I managed to avoid it for years, but needs must and all that.
"I am genuinely grateful for your custom, David. Rudeness, however, I’m considerably less enthusiastic about.
"So yeah, we’ll keep working hard. You keep working on those manners."
Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more
Thomas Melia
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Daisy Jackson -
29th November 2024 
