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
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Sophie Smith -
27th December 2021 
