House of Koko is a cult favourite in Leeds for brunches - and for good reason.
There's two sites, spread across Chapel Allerton and Oakwood, each with a slightly different menu, but both featured a clear love for all things brunch.
Both the traditional eggs benny kind, plus creations inspired by locations near and far -the kind you dream of brunches finding on a faraway holiday, just without the warm weather.
Available at both sites you've got the famous pancakes: a stack of three fluffy treats layered between sweet and savoury combos like Nutella, mixed berry compote, white chocolate chips and bacon (or This Isn't Bacon for a vegan alternative) with maple syrup.
'The Bennies' part of the menu also features across both sites with a choice of smoked streaky bacon, oak-smoked Atlantic salmon and chestnut mushrooms sautéed in garlic confit, served with poached free-range eggs and signature Koko hollandaise sauce on a bed of light granary bread.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The remainder of the menu varies slightly between the Oakwood and Chapel Allerton locations, but each deserves a visit in its own right.
Think Shakshuka; Red Lentil Dahl; hummus plates with Balilah, warm chickpeas fried with spices, herbs and lemon or Moroccan spiced chicken with Koko preserved lemon aioli, homemade labneh, pickled shallots served on a toasted ciabatta - there really is something for everyone's palette here.
Plus there's a huge choice of locally-sourced bakes, caffeinated drinks, cocktails and smoothies on offer for those just popping by.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The sun-lit cafes operate on a walk-in basis only, so whilst you can't book in advance for your brunch, you'll be welcomed in with open arms upon arrival and staff will always do their best to find you the best seats available.
You can however book House of Koko after the cafe closes, and use the space to celebrate your next big event.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate your birthday, cheers to a new big job, house or staff party, or just want an excuse to get your mates together, House of Koko transforms by night into the perfect intimate location.
And that's not all, by night the cafes also offer pop-up dinners from some of Masterchef’s finalists to local indies.
Most recently, locals have been treated to a one-off menu from Masterchef contestants Omar Foster, Terri Fearon with Jack Wilkinson as part of Brown Butter Dining's Supper Club, but previously menus from Bastards Bistro, Koben Smokehouse, Nick Rapson, Aida, The Cheesy Living Co, Afsaneh's Kitchen and more.
You can keep up to date with the latest events from House of Koko on Instagram or head down to either the Chapel Allerton site on 62 Harrogate Road or 466 Roundhay Road in Oakwood to check out this Leeds' favourite for yourself.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
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Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
1st March 2024 
