There's never been a better time to test out vegan food.
Another year has passed, and as January fast approaches, the new year's resolutions start to pile up. Promises of dry January are made in a hungover state, but we all know as soon as we're back in work and celebrating a birthday, a wedding, getting through a Monday... whatever your excuse, we know sometimes these promises are made in good faith but in reality won't last more than a few days.
Veganuary is a new, new year's trend where a person goes vegan for the month of January and is a new year's resolution that's far easier to stick to than giving up booze or your favourite takeaway- especially now there are so many vegan options around.
In Leeds, we're overwhelmed with vegan options, in fact, there's not a restaurant we've seen now that doesn't offer a plant-based alternative and we bet that you can find a healthy alternative to your usual meaty or dairy-based meals.
Banyan is offering 50% off all dishes in January. / Image: Banyan Bar
Banyan is taking veganuary to the next level and ensuring you don't have to break the bank or pause your 30-day-challenge for the sake of a night out.
On the menu, you'll find a perfect January detox dish– the Tofu Revitalise Bowl, a nourishing mix of butternut squash, red and golden beets, avocado and quinoa.
For a heartier option, their Meatless Meatball Melt, topped with melted vegan cheeze and spicy marinara sauce will make the perfect lunch but if you’re looking for a dish bursting with flavour, Banyan’s South Indian Curry features an array of vegetables and Indian spices, proving that the days of bland vegan food are far behind us.
Oh, and did we mention there's 50% off all dishes in January? Veganuary has never been more accessible- just make sure to read the T&Cs on the Banyan website as the offer is only valid on selected days, when you pre book your table.
This does mean that your meat-eating mates can also grab their plates at half the price too- so there's absolutely no excuses for now getting yourselves down for a midweek treat.
Running from Tuesday 4th January 2022, veganuary has inspired and supported more than half a million people to try going vegan during their 2021 campaign – with participants from over 200 countries and territories. This year, we can only hope more people get involved in this one month challenge to eat sustainably without compromising on flavour and flair.
Banyan has truly put down roots in Leeds, with locations in City Centre, Horsforth, Roundhay and Ilkley, as well as further afield locations like York, Harrogate, Manchester (Spinningfields and The Corn Exchange) and Newcastle- and you can grab your veganuary foodie fix at any one of their locations.
Banyan is the ideal spot for a vegan-friendly evening out. / Image: Banyan Bar
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.
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
