If you thought you knew afternoon tea, think again.
Mans Market is known and loved in Leed for its amazing bottomless brunches, instagrammable cocktails and creative flair of brightly coloured decor inside its underground location in Leeds city centre.
Having been highly recommended by the Sunday Times, we're convinced that Mans Market has received nothing but glowing reviews since its opening, but it's their Afternoon Chi concept that's got us talking non-stop about dim sum in 2022.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Based on the traditional afternoon tea, Mans Market have replaced those boring finger sandwiches and petit fours with all your favourite dishes to create the ultimate afternoon experience- with plenty of booze included.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the underground restaurant with a glass of fizz, but have plenty of chances to grab cocktails galore during their stay. Think signature boozy mizes like Mans 75, made up of Tanqueray London Dry, Lychee, Lemon and Prosecco or even grab a Bubblegum Daiquiri just an extra fiver.
Miami Splice cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're doing Dry January or just don't fancy getting boozy in the afternoon, there are loads of non-alcoholic options for you to choose from too. Not only can you get three varieties of tea: Yorkshire (obviously), Jasmine or green tea, but there's soft drinks and a whole range of mocktails on offer too.
The Kobe Tai can be made as a non-alcoholic option and we're obsessed with how much it looks like its boozy predecessor- it even comes with a little shot of lemonade. The Bubblegum Daiquiri and plenty more can be made upon request too- just ask at the bar.
Bubblegum Daiquiri mocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
In classic Mans Market style, the menu is there to guide guests through the choices they make before you clip your 'Feed Me' sign to the rope on the ceiling to get the waitress' attention.
Aware that the way to people's hearts (and stomachs) is to give us our favourite foods, every dish on the menu comes with a multiple choice of toppings. Guests are invited to choose a bao bun- with crispy roast duck or Panko tofu, before selecting from four different dim sum options.
Think handfuls of Chicken Gyoza, Pork War Tip Dumplings, Mushroom Corn and vegan-friendly Bamboo Dumplings, each swirled and dunked into sweet chilli or soy sauce before making your way onto vegan spring rolls and snack on Lotus Crisps with chilli and spring onions.
This really is the epitome of a unique afternoon tea, perfect for all Chinese food connoisseurs and those that love a bit of dim sum after a few drinks with respective interest.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Desserts are even included as part of the package- there's Matcha Moochi with strawberries, Yuzu and Vanilla cheesecake or a vegan-friendly brownie to choose from- each of which come as highly recommended as the next.
If you're still hungry, extra dim sum is available for just £3.50 extra, this time replacing dumplings with Salt and Pepper Chicken or Tofu, Satay Chicken dishes or four more Chef Mans Spring Rolls.
Given the entire menu comes to £16.50 per person, it's an absolute steal. Given Mans Market's non-stop glowing reviews and their steady stream of foodies coming through their doors, make sure you book yourself in well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Afternoon Chi is available every Wednesday - Friday from 2 - 5pm each day. If you want to beat the January blues, make sure to quote JAN30 upon booking for 30% off the entire menu every Wednesday and Thursday (max table of eight people per booking).
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Six of our favourite cosy pubs in Leeds City Centre to hide away from the rain
Clementine Hall
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.
Sophie Smith -
13th January 2022 
