A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
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Eats
This new artisan gelato store is serving Leeds with charcoal ice cream and purple ube dough-latos
Think warm baklava desserts stuffed with fresh chocolate hazelnut gelato (like a Kinder Bueno gelato) and vegan brownies, available with dairy-free gelato.
Hidden in plain sight: KULT Gelato is the brand-new artisan gelato store that's taking the Leeds dessert scene into unchartered territory.
Having been open a few short weeks, KULT Gelato is the new kid on the block- and quickly becoming a sensation for its homemade gelato and desserts.
Inspired and created by machinery straight from the motherland, KULT Gelato makes all of its Italian treats in-house, with a keen focus on producing and preserving fresh gelato.
Serving up authentic Italian flavours like pistachio and hazelnut with bueno, as well as unique additions like blueberry cheesecake, charcoal-infused vanilla and ube (that's a purple sweet potato to you and I), there's only eight flavours available at any given time.
Served up opposite Kirkgate Markets on New Market Street, this hidden gem has plenty to offer for the palette. Think warm baklava desserts stuffed with fresh chocolate hazelnut gelato (like a Kinder Bueno gelato) and vegan brownies, available with dairy-free gelato.
The standout choice here is the dough-lato. A simple but innovative concept: a doughnut is filled with your choice of gelato- though Ube is the recommended choice- before being cooked and chopped in half to reveal a gooey combination that perfectly balances sweet and savoury.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Topped with sauces aplenty and another scoop of gelato, this is the summertime treat you didn't know you needed, but will struggle to forget about.
KULT Gelato hasn't always been the owner's dream job: harvesting a passion for Italian treats was far from their Law degree aspirations, but when the opportunity to take over a spot in the heart of the city centre: everything changed.
Working tirelessly to complete the renovation process and investing in authentic Italian gelato-makers has led to an exciting career change that's serving the Leeds locals with a whole host of sweet treats to takeaway or eat in.
Down a small staircase, KULT Gelato hides a small dining area with eight tables to host small gatherings and groups, complete with neon lighting, retro postcards and a giant full length mirror to turn each visit into a potential social media moment for selfie-enthused guests.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If that's not enough, there's soft serve ice cream with dual flavouring: presently a dreamy pastel combo of Ube and Vanilla, on offer, as well as milkshakes, cookie dough, cherry pies.
Open every day of the week, this is the dessert stop for all weather occasions: but the impending heat wave will make the perfect backdrop to these incredible flavours.
For more information on KULT Gelato, you can follow their Instagram page or pop into the New Market Street store for yourself to find out more about their Italian gelato between 12pm - 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, or until 8pm every other day of the week.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
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 -
21st April 2022 
