Thinkyou've done afternoon tea? Think again. Yard and Coop have the ultimate three-tiered chicken feast that's changing the meaning of high tea.
Afternoon tea: usually a rather formal affair, complete with British scones (however you choose to pronounce them), clotted cream and some good old Yorkshire tea. The China is expensive and so are the tickets for a spot at the table.
For many of us, the idea of afternoon tea sounds thoroughly enjoyable, but do we really want to work our way through finger sandwiches and being very polite to our neighbouring tables? Not exactly. We want a chilled out affair to devour some delicious food with our mates.
Yard and Coop must have heard our prayers for an afternoon tea revolution and have the ideal solution: fried chicken afternoon tea.
From the people that brought Leeds ice cream chicken burgers, Yard & Coop are offering a three-tiered buttermilk feast with their signature chicken breast, dirty bird style.
Work your way up the tiers and find a tasty treat on each layer. On the bottom, you'll find a dirty bird made for two: a huge bowl of fries, loaded with cheese sauce, buttermilk fried chicken and crispy bacon. Dip into Dr Pepper BBQ and blue cheese sauces, but make sure there's room for more: this is only course one.
Yard & Coop have truly reinvented afternoon tea, with not a scone in sight. / Image: Yard & Coop
Rather like a middle child, the centre layer of the afternoon tea will grab your attention quickly. Take your pick of mini buttermilk fried chicken burgers with adobo chilli mayo, Grandma's stuffing balls and amaizeballs. Dunk in some homemade chicken gravy and a selection of Korean sauces for the ultimate chicken dinner.
Reinventing the finger cakes and scones from a traditional afternoon tea, Yard & Coop have left their top tier for those with a sweet tooth. An assortment of cupcakes are complemented by fresh strawberries, chocolate dipping sauce and a mountain of marshmallows.
No afternoon tea is complete without a glass of something boozy. With a selection of gin available and included in the price, it would be rude not to take advantage of the varieties available. All drinks are served in a huge balloon glass to ensure that you receive a generous serving.
The Yard & Coop afternoon tea is available every day of the week, costing £25 per person. Just make sure to book in advance to avoid missing out on one of the tastiest afternoon tea options in Leeds city centre.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
