The Christmas countdown is on. Not necessarily for the big day itself, but for all those wonderful traditions we all participate in leading up to the festive period.
Since the Leeds Christmas Markets were cancelled, local hotels and bars have been reinventing festive traditions for the city and there's plenty of exciting trips to keep us busy until 25 December.
Very few of these events will be able to compete with Dakota and their showstopper of an afternoon tea.
The Festive Afternoon Tea will be available on Fridays and Saturdays during the Christmas countdown between 1pm and 4pm each day.
Upon entry, receive a mouthwatering mix of amuse bouche dishes to sample. The single-bite hors d'œurves are split into three tiers, each inspired by the warm flavours of Christmas.
Dakota Leeds is located in the heart of the city centre, less than a five-minute walk from the train station. / Image: Dakota Hotels
Start with a selection of tea sandwiches, for a sensory experience that can only remind you of December: spiced plum chutney with Appleby Cheshire cheese or Argyll smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and pickled cucumber.
For a taste of Christmas dinner before the big day, there's a roast Cumbrian turkey and cranberry selection to sample and even a truffled egg mayonnaise sandwich with watercress.
Pair these delicious sandwiches with a selection of homemade pastries and fancies. Take a bite from a nutty chestnut and apple macaron; pistachio and cranberry choux bun or sample the warming cinnamon and winter fruit loaf.
Fancy something to cleanse your palette with a cocoa-based delight? The chocolate and cherry mousse is sure to satisfy you, but there are also a selection of additional cakes and sweets available as part of Dakota's Festive Afternoon Tea.
The choux pastry of the dark chocolate and hazelnut profiterole has caught our eye, but the sweet white chocolate and mulled winter fruit tart sounds as equally tempting.
The use of local ingredients to inspire these dishes is just one speciality of this delicious menu.
The sticky Yorkshire parkin is the perfect way to round off your afternoon delight, with a glass of fizz in-hand.
The Dakota Festive Afternoon Tea costs £25 per person. Book on their website to avoid disappointment, particularly if additional dietary requirements need to be catered for.
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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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 -
15th October 2021 
