Who knows, these vegan loaded fries might convert you to a plant-based diet all year round.
It's no secret that loaded fries are the ultimate sharing dish. Whether you like barbecue, gravy or cheesy varieties, there’s always something for everyone on the plate to enjoy. But when you're the only vegan in a group on a night out, it sucks having to order a different plate or simple go without- so we've found the best vegan fries in Leeds that'll make your meat-eating mates want a taste of yours.
Before you know it, you'll have converted them to the vegan loaded fries and they'll become your staple sharer in no time- at least that's the aim here.
Vegan loaded fries from Hooyah is available from Deliveroo- so even if you want to sit in your PJs all night, you don't have to miss out on some meat-free loaded fries. The Chic-a-go loaded fries are made up of crumbled Falafel and Spinach accompanied with a vegan yoghurt and mint Sauce, mango chutney, chopped red onion and chilli sauce- all inspired from the Indigenous tribes of Chicago. If you do fancy eating in, their newly-opened restaurant on Albion Street is home to their 'build your own burger' menu and some seriously thick milkshakes so expect flavours aplenty.
Piled with vegan hoisin ‘duck’, spring rolls and chillies, the Vegan Hoisin fries are a chef's kiss level of perfection. As cult fans of this particular dish, it is The Hoot's go to at Assembly Underground, Beer Hawk or even when we're over in Manchester. Pair these delicious fries with a plant-based burgers loaded with vegan cheese (the stringy kind), onion rings, jalapenos and roquito chillies and more for the ultimate vegan dinner.
Long time vegan are more than likely to be accustomed to the tasty delights available from Knaves, who work from the kitchen at Oporto. The Woffy's Hogtied Waffle Fries come with facon bits and facon mayo - and if you like pickles, there's deep fried ‘Frickles’ to snack on too. With a 100% vegan menu, you really can't go wrong ordering your meat-free dinner from here.
These loaded fries comes with house pickle, cheese, F.A secret sauce and crispy onions from meat-free hot dog company, Fat Annies. Famous locally for their hot dogs that'll cure any hangover and tasty burgers, you'll find the kitchen inside the Kirkgate Markets every day of the week. Looking for something a little different? Why not try the I've Got Five On It Fries with b'con, cheese, pickle, jalapenos and crispy onions instead?
Fries that were made for sharing were practically invented at Patty Smiths. Located in Belgrave, you can pile up the fries and sauce and share with as many as possible- though we wouldn't judge you if you took on the Session Fries for yourself either. Available every single day alongside Dough Boys Pizza on Belgrave Street, either to eat inside or on the rooftop terrace (just bring a coat unless you're visiting in the peak of summer)
When we say all kinds, we mean all kinds. Get your vegan fries three different ways from Döner Summer, you can get them plain and simple with skin-on, with garlic or add parmesan for the ultimate lunchtime snack. Pair with a Fried Chick'n Combo and you're on to a winner. These vegan junk food experts aren't even exclusive to Leeds, so if you're in Huddersfield or over in Manchester, you can still get a taste of meat-free fries.
Gail's has finally set its sights on Yorkshire for the first time, with a new bakery set to open this year.
It's one of the UK's most famous bakeries, launching in London in the early 1990s to supply restaurants, before opening its first retail site and cafe in Hampstead in 2005.
Gail's founders set out on a mission to bake bread as it used to be baked: by hand, using quality ingredients and time-worn artisanal methods.
While Gail's has expanded aggressively into the north, opening around a dozen bakeries in Greater Manchester and its surrounds, it hasn't made the journey across to Yorkshire just yet.
All that looks set to change, with job ads now listed for roles within a brand-new Yorkshire branch of Gail's.
Based on the job advert, Gail's is heading straight to the spa town of Harrogate - which is a fairly predictable move.
It looks like Gail's is heading for HarrogateGail's will make its Yorkshire debut
When it does open, you'll find loaf choices including classic white and brown sourdough, Gail’s ‘wasteless’ loaves (made using a specially-created recipe designed to incorporate unsold bread crumbs), alongside seeded varieties, baguettes and batons.
Must-tries include Gail’s famous cinnamon buns, still-warm cheese and ham croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and – given the weather we’re having this week – iced coffees, all day long preferably please.
Gail's has now confirmed the opening, with a spokesperson saying: "GAIL’s is excited to confirm it is opening a new bakery in Harrogate later this year. The opening will bring GAIL’s craft baking to the community, including creating a number of craft baking, barista, and management roles.
"We will also be donating surplus baked goods through our Neighbourly partnerships. This is part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and improving access to quality food and drink on the high-street."
But given the number of fantastic local bakeries all over Yorkshire, the question is, does anyone want Gail's?
Kirkstall Brewery and Little Bao Boy unveil new Leeds taproom
Daisy Jackson
You know the venue, and you know the operators behind it, but things are looking a little different over on Sovereign Street.
Leeds' very own Kirkstall Brewery has teamed up with street food legends Little Bao Boy to totally reinvent the city centre taproom formerly known as North Taproom.
At the all-new The City Taproom, you'll find a way cosier space alongside their sun-soaked terrace, as they aim to reimagine a traditional city centre pub.
Across 16 tap lines there are loads of Kirkstall Brewery classics, like Kirkstall Pilsner, Virtuous and Judicious, plus a rotating selection of guest beers from top British breweries - and Guinness, of course.
The City Taproom will also feature two new cask lines: one serving Three Swords as a staple, and the other on rotation starting this month with Golden Hour.
There's a bigger kitchen for Little Bao Boy too, which means an even larger menu of bao and Asian street food, like loaded fries, noodles, and rice bowls.
Little Bao Boy was founded 10 years ago by James Ooi, specialising in home-made bao buns and traditional Asian street food with a contemporary western twist.
Kirkstall have injected the huge space with the traditional essence of a proper Kirkstall establishment, with that kind of cosy atmosphere you know them for at the brewery's other sites.
Little Bao Boy at City TaproomKirkstall Brewery pints and cocktails
This is yet another of the local brewery's openings in the city centre, joining their recent renovation of The Victoria & Commercial in partnership with Whitelocks, plus their stewardship of the historic Tetley brewery building.
James Ooi, founder of Little Bao Boy said: "We have been part of this venue since day one, through COVID, outside seating, and new owners, and we are so excited for this refurb.
"On the food side, expect more collaborations, faster service, and a better overall customer experience. We are extremely grateful Kirkstall saw the value in this refurb and can't wait to get back open."
Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery, said: "We're delighted to unveil a new presentation for the Taproom on Sovereign Street.
"It has been named The City Taproom after a famous but long-gone Leeds pub known as ‘The City’, which was situated where the statue of the Dortmund Brewer now stands. Images of the original City pub are a feature in the new look City Taproom, which can best be described as a 're-imagination' of a traditional city-centre pub.
"The City Taproom celebrates Leeds and its rich pub and brewing heritage. We hope that it will become a popular addition to the amazing and diverse venues that make Leeds such a vibrant City for hospitality and entertainment."
It's all the bits you loved before, just a little bigger and a whole lot better.
The City Taproom opens at 3 Sovereign Street on Thursday 23 April.
Sophie Smith -
12th January 2022 
