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
Domo will officially open the doors to its Leeds venue this summer.
Get ready for Domo Leeds, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
Domo has confirmed it will officially open the doors to its first Leeds venue on Friday June 5, so we really don't have long to wait.
Located at the iconic Tower Works development, Domo Leeds will offer a vibrant new canal-side destination, perfect for the summer months.
Alongside the main restaurant menu, there’ll be a dedicated bar food menu designed around relaxed dining and carefully crafted small plates designed to pair with the drinks offering creating a more informal way for guests to experience Sardinian flavours.
Domo co-founder, Sarah Elliott-Busceddu, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally open the doors and welcome people into Domo Leeds. From day one, our vision has been to create a space where everyone feels welcome and somewhere that brings people together in the true spirit of Sardinian hospitality.
“Whether it’s an evening out with friends, a relaxed catch-up over drinks after work, or a big family celebration, we’ve designed Domo to feel warm, inclusive and full of life. We can’t wait for people in Leeds to experience not just the food and drinks, but the atmosphere and sense of community that sits at the heart of everything we do.”
The Sheffield institution serving the city’s favourite sandwich for over 60 years
Clementine Hall
Of course, it's the one and only Béres.
It all started back in 1961 when Hungarian butcher Sandor Béres left his home city of Budapest during the 1956 uprising against the Stalinist government.
After the government took control of his father's butchers shops, Sandor set out to establish the chain once more and so, Béres was born.
And thank god it was, as for over 60 years now their iconic pork sandwich has been fuelling the hungry people of Sheffield, and we'd go as far to say it's one of the best sarnies in the city.
Images: The Sheff
Hot roast pork, herby stuffing, crispy crackling and fruity apple sauce all crammed into a soft bap - it really doesn’t get much better than that.
But, what makes it so special? Béres claims it's all in the preparation and quality control.
Being a traditional butchers, their pork joints are traditionally roasted and cured in house to give that succulent texture and crispy crackling every single time.
They use around seven tonnes of pork and four tonnes of flour per week to feed us hungry lot, and it's no surprise when you see the queues forming outside your local Béres every lunch time.
Images: The Sheff
The very first shop was born at Wadsley Bridge where they quickly built a reputation for their sandwiches, this then allowed them to become a proper Sheffield household name after expanding rapidly through the 2000s.
They now have 14 sites across Sheffield, and each site is as good as the next. Not only are the pork sandwiches class but if you're ever faced with a hangover no matter how severe, their stacked breakfast baps are always there to save the day.
But why we love Béres most of all is the lovely staff who are always there to offer a smile and a chinwag, but what else do you expect from the people of Sheffield hey?
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
