Family-run Italian restaurant Pranzo are serving up deliciously authentic Calabrian cuisine to the hungry people of Leeds' suburbs.
Sometimes only a steaming hot bowl of pasta can really hit the spot, and Pranzo Italian are dishing up some of the best in the area.
Opening their flagship restaurant in Ilkley back in 2018, they quickly opened another location in Harrogate after Pranzo became a smash hit with locals and tourists alike.
Inspired by founder Marco's Italian heritage and his Nonna's traditional Calabrese cooking, you can really taste the authenticity in the cooking and homely dining experience.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On an early weekday evening, the cosy restaurant was already filling up and inviting smells were wafting out from the kitchen.
The menu offers a wide range of Aperitivo, Starters and Homemade Pasta as well as a seasonal list of specials which they change regularly.
After kicking things off with an Aperol Spritz (because when in Rome), we opted for the Special Sharing Antipasto Platter and the Bruschetta with mushrooms, gorgonzola, parma ham and homemade basil pesto.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
To the table came a plate overflowing with delicious Italian produce. We’re talking freshly baked focaccia, nduja butter, olives, sun dried tomatoes, a selection of cured meats and huge hunks of cheese which we dove into immediately.
The bruschetta was rich, creamy and herby in equal measures - the perfect way to start off an amazing meal.
Now onto the pasta, this is all made in house and almost all of the dishes can be made Gluten Free on request.
The Seafood Bigoli was the star of the show, it was absolutely outstanding and any seafood lover’s dream.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Perfectly al dente pasta was jam packed with fresh mussels, juicy tiger prawns, anchovies and calamari in a white wine sauce, topped with a seasoned pangratatto which gave it that perfect bite.
The Mafalde in 4 hour braised beef shin ragù also deserves a special mention, the sauce had such a depth of flavour with meat that melted in the mouth - showing it was made with bundles of love.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If we had enough room left, we would have absolutely ordered a side of toasted focaccia to mop up all of the delicious goodness left in the bowl.
With locations in Ilkley and Harrogate, Pranzo is well worth the trip out of the city centre next time you're craving an authentic taste of Italy.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at their website.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Clementine Hall -
11th May 2023 
