One of Leeds' favourite restaurants has had a gorgeous summer glow-up.
After gracing Leeds with beautiful fine-dining in the heart of the city centre almost ten years ago, Crafthouse hasn't looked back since its opening.
Now, bringing its stunning rooftop setting into the summer season, the Michelin-guide recommended restaurant and bar has had an exciting makeover- just in time for summer.
An urban jungle with plenty of greenery. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Expect a beautiful escape from the everyday on the rooftop with plenty of greenery and decor inspired by the changing of the seasons.
Zoe Yeoh the General Manager at Crafthouse explained: “Located in the heart of the city and with a view of the rooftops across the town, we have been inspired to develop our décor to bring the outside in. Mixing town and country and creating a green oasis for our diners to enjoy.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“The light, fresh and full of life scheme aims to relax our diners and envelop them in a world away from the day to day.”
Head Chef Simon Jewitt has even made alterations to the menu to reflect the interior changes with delicious choices of Nori cured Loch Duart salmon and pea & lemon verbena risotto soon to be firm summer favourites.
The new A La Carte Menu awaits. / Image: Crafthouse
The A La Carte menu is also now reflective of the seasonal produce available, with the likes of pan fried cod and roasted cauliflower gnocchi with Swiss chard, ver jus grapes, almond foam, as well as barbecued maitake mushroom with broad bean and sorrel salad, black garlic purée, finished with nasturtium making an appearance on the new sunshine-inspired menu.
Meat-eaters will also be delighted to find the Hereford fillet of beef offerings with pastrami short rib, crispy potato terrine confit roscoff onion and watercress purée as an ideal late evening dinner option whilst day drinkers and salad conessuiers are expected to be blown away by the effortless heritage tomato & buffalo burrata salad, romesco sauce with lovage and parmesan.
For more information about how you can head up to the newly-refurbished Crafthouse restaurant and grab a seat in the sunshine to test out Simon Jewitt's latest creations for yourself, visit the Crafthouse website.
Feature Image- Crafthouse
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
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 -
13th May 2022 
