It's been one heck of a year for the Leeds foodie scene.
We've had dozens of new openings covering all sorts of cuisines, filling our takeaway apps with a combination of old favourites and new places to visit alike.
One man that knows his takeaways, and has captured the nation's attention in doing so, is Danny Malin. The 'Rate My Takeaway' YouTuber boasts over half a million subscribers, and regularly goes viral after showcasing the best takeaway spots in the north and beyond.
Turns out 2022 has been the year that we've seen the internet sensation in Leeds quite a bit, so we've combined a list of all the places we've spotted the YouTuber in 2022 to help narrow down our next takeaway choice.
Hooyah Burgers
Albion Street, Leeds city centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The build-your-own-burger joint has been praised since opening for its huge portions and flavoursome burgers, and now that the brains behind the burgers have got a city centre restaurant open on Albion Place, it’s becoming more popular than ever. And that was all before the joint received over 150,000 views on a single YouTube video.
Danny says: “We started off with beautiful buttermilk, nice bit of chicken absolutely spot on…on then I moved onto the loaded fries…it’s a flavour combination that works really well to be honest. A solid 10, can’t fault it”.
Find out more about Danny's visit to Hooyah Burgers here.
Don't Feed The Dog
Inside Roland's, Call Lane, Leeds city centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Hidden inside Roland's, Don't Feed The Dog is serving up sarnies, hoagies and the most incredible chips, perfect for a lazy afternoon after mooching around the city.
Starting with the oyster mushroom wings, Danny said: “They are amazing. I’m totally honest with you it’s not something I would order but wow. There’s a strong hint of chillis with spices a nice crisp batter on it… wow”.
You can find out more about Danny Malin at Don't Feed The Dog here.
I Am Döner
Otley Road, Headingley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The camel kebab was launched by I Am Döner to celebrate the company's expansion into the UAE, and saw national media coverage of the unusual flavours, so naturally Danny was one of the first to head over and tuck into the dish.
The Rate My Takeaway two pence was "Oh with rice that is nice. It's not what I expected it to be".
Watch the full video of Danny Malin at I Am Döner here.
Luigi's Street Food
Featured inside Trinity Kitchen but operating as a pop-up
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Luigi's Street Food is known and loved in Trinity Kitchen for its deep fried pizzas, arancini balls and a host of tasty treats. Packed out on a lunchtime, you'll find plenty of gooey cheesy delights.
Danny gave his two pence on the deep fried pizzas: "it's one of those weird and wonderful things that you've never had before but when you do it's like oh my god".
Having recently taken over another spot inside the newly-opened SALT Oakwood, Big Buns has been serving up flavours that has seen them gaining something of a cult folllowing over the past twelve months.
The Rate My Takeaway star was impressed upon his visit too: “The beautiful beef patties have got so much flavours in them […] but the combination of the crispy onions and the sweet caramelised onions really brings it together”.
Find out more about Danny Malin's trip to Big Buns here.
Spuds & Bros
Featured inside Trinity Kitchen but operating as a pop-up
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Trinity Kitchen regulars are experts at all things poutine - and if you haven't been to check out the gravy-covered, cheesy Canadian chips, it's perfect for a cold wintry evening in the city.
Danny says: "the smell of this is already getting my taste buds going, my mouth is watering"
A student favourite, the Woodhouse pizza joint hosted the YouTuber earlier this year and was impressed by the unique flavours that were on offer. A fantastic lunchtime option, you can grab a pizza slice, drink and may be even some cannoli for under £7.
Danny said "absolutely spot on it's been the best one of them I've eer tasted. Soft, fruity and full of flavour"
Venturing over to Manchester to try the viral burgers from Burgerism, the Rate My Takeaway star gave the chicken burgers and wings a rave review. Since then, Leeds has been blessed with its own Burgerism, operating on Deliveroo and delivering to the majority of the city centre area.
Danny says "this tastes absolutely amazing… the bun, the cheese, the beautiful fillet in there, the flavour combination on that is absolutely amazing."
After opening three years ago as a back garden pop-up as a members-only secret club, Wing Club has become something of a sensation across Leeds. Known for its tender meats and irresistible sauces, even Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington has been raving about Wing Club since opening as a takeaway in January.
Danny says: "you've got beautiful meat, stickiness, it is a meal fit for a king"
The cult-following from the beef patties at Meat Stack had Leeds excited for months about the expansion of the indie burger joint. Danny checked out the original Newcastle branch but now Leeds has its own place to grab these drool-worthy burgers, it's only right that we give it a mention.
Danny says: "Ooh that is a nice flavour, beautiful beef patties there, they've got a really strong flavour to them… my god that is nice!"
The kebab shop that packs flavour in with falafels, halloumi and gorgeous meaty bits, this city centre takeaway has become a firm favourite for the city since opening late last year.
Danny gave Sqew a 10/10 score: "I've been searching for the best kebab and I'm telling you now, I've found it. you need to come and try it out, it's full of flavour. it's the best and tastiest kebab I've ever had by far".
Deneco’s was first up, and described the brownie as as a “fat man’s dream”, tasting a mini pancake stack with Biscoff, marshmallow and strawberries done “just like you’d have at home, but more fluffy”.
Oh So Yum! offered peanut butter bubble waffle to the Rate My Takeaway star “cooked to perfection with a beautiful chocolate sauce on there too”, and a traditional crepe with fresh bananas, strawberries and chocolate, a favourite of his daughters.
Batch’d donuts were “beautiful” and “cooked to perfection”, getting the stamp of approval with the balance of chocolate and fluffy dough.
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
29th December 2022 
