Katsu sandos, Korean-inspired sauces and the some of the fluffiest bread about.
Shokupan opened its doors for the first time just before Christmas, and has become a must-visit for anyone looking to spice up their lunchtime sandos.
Born out of a passion for cooking at home and travelling overseas, husband and wife team Alan and Alison, swapped jobs in digital marketing and mechanical engineering to bring carefully-perfected recipes to Leeds.
Taking inspiration from trips around the world, including America's west coast where the couple were first introduced to the popularity of Shokupan, returning to normal life after years of being on-the-go seemed like the perfect opportunity to change paths and take a passion for home cooking to a commercial level.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The couple spent time trying and testing the perfect shokupan recipe at home before sending samples to a bakery, who now deliver bespoke batches of the Japanese milk bread to their cafe.
For those unfamiliar with Shokupan, it's a style of Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour- and it's truly delicious.
The bread itself is cut to order and toasted on one side to ensure that all sandos are as fresh as can be before filling with a combination of traditional and unique sauces dreamt up by the owners.
The K-Town is the latest sando on the menu, launching today for the very first time- and it's perfect for those looking for a fusion of Korean and non-traditional flavours for their lunchtime sando.
The K-Town is the latest addition to the menu. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Think panko breaded Katsu fillet, with a choice of chicken, pork or celeriac between the fluffiest thick cut slices of shokupan bread, shredded white cabbage, freshly sliced red onion, house-made Japanese mayo and Shokupan's signature Korean style chilli sauce.
This is complemented with a side serving of Korean chilli pickled cucumber garnish, a deliciously tangy treat that coats your mouth with sweet, sticky goodness.
Alternatively, there's the classic Katsu sando, with the same panko breaded pork, chicken or celeriac options, drenched in a wonderful, you guessed it, katsu sauce - plus options like Tonkatsu rice and portions of Furikake fries for those looking for alternatives to a lunchtime sarnie.
The lunch menu runs each day from 11.15am, with a host of hearty breakfast options like spam and sausage sandos to fuel the day serving from 7.30am - 10.45am.
Continuing the Yorkshire-meets-Japanese brekkies, the Okonomiyaki Hash with eggs or bacon, which sees the usual fritter-like pancake served up in a traditional potato hash style, and with a cup of North Star coffee in hand, you really can't go wrong.
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
You can watch The Celebrity Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds this Friday
Clementine Hall
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens this Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Headrow House, one of the city’s most beloved event space, rooftop and bar, will be hosting a finale watching party - and we’re all invited.
Taking place this Friday 30 October, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale at 8pm.
The best part? Entry is completely free and they'll even be streaming the semi-final ahead of the final at 6pm, so you can indulge in a double bill of the country's most beloved show.
We honestly couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening and we're already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Headrow House said: "celebrity traitors final this friday! we’ll be showing the semi-final for anyone who missed it before tuning in for the live final. free entry, get down early for a seat and bring your claudia wigs x"
So to give this series of The Celebrity Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Headrow House from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Sophie Smith -
21st February 2023 
