Go green for veganuary without missing out on your favourite treats.
According to EcoZone, beef farms are responsible for 37% of methane emissions- so if you're planning to make your life a little greener in 2022, veganuary is a great way to ditch the meat and the carbon footprint.
If you're looking to eat out whilst testing out a plant-based diet this January, look no further than The Box. The popular sports bar can be found in and around Leeds: both in the city centre and Headingley, you’re never far from a cold pint of Budweiser or a bottle of wine here, but it's the bar's veganuary offers that have got us walking through their doors this January.
Full to the brim with the tastiest vegan junk food, BOX’s menu is set to include a game-changing “Not” Dog, which comes fully loaded with jalapenos, ketchup and mayo, served on a brioche bun. This is supplied by Moving Mountains who are known for their amazingly authentic meat substitutes which taste exactly like the real thing.
Their meat-free “Meatball” Pizza, topped with melted mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and caramelised onion, is also set to be the perfect option for beginner vegans looking to try something new.
Finally, if you're looking for a vegan dessert that still includes your favourite sweet cravings like chocolate and ice cream, you're in for a treat. Customers can try a tasty vegan dessert courtesy of fellow Leeds based suppliers with the Brown and Blonde Lotus Biscoff Brownie, topped with Northen Bloc salted caramel dairy-free ice cream.
Oh, and did we mention all dishes are half price in January? Just make sure to book in advance and make sure you arrive at a time when the offer is active (peak times like a Saturday, the offer doesn't apply) to avoid disappointment.
Running from Tuesday 4 January 2022 until the end of the month, you can get your vegan foodie fix across all of The Box's three locations (they have a spot on Deansgate in Manchester too if you’re heading that way this Christmas).
Pornstar Martini, served in steins. / Image: The Box
Whilst you're there, you can also grab the likes of 2-for-1 cocktails, pornstar martinis, served by the stein and the best live games over January at The Box as you tuck into your half-price, plant-based meal.
Feature Image- The Box
Eats
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
