From humble beginnings in Newcastle Markets to Leeds high street.
The mighty cheeseburger: patties piled high between layers of gooey cheese cascading down either side; sauces oozing escaping between every bite; light, fluffy buns sandwiching one America's finest dishes together.
Perfect for all occasions, meat-eaters have raved about cheeseburgers since their creation across the Atlantic- and we've been obsessed ever since.
Few have managed to achieve the right balance of meat and carbs, but since MEAT:STACK launched back in 2016, they have quickly become a cult favourite for American-style burgers and shakes.
Image: Meat Stack
With a real focus on quality, the team have crafted a small yet perfectly formed menu of double or triple cheeseburgers, sides, shakes and desserts that will satisfy even the most discerning of fast-food junkies.
MEAT:STACK has built up a loyal following in the north of England since they first launched as a pop-up in six years ago and after operating within Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market, the company took the plunge in 2020 and opened their first high street store on the Bigg Market in Newcastle.
The success of their burgers followed them onto the main streets and now they're bringing their attention to detail, authentic preparation methods and moreish flavour combo to Leeds.
With ten different burger combos to choose from, including a pork and beef patty breakfast burger, vegan fried ‘chicken’ burger and a regularly changing monthly special, we have to say the menu really does look immense. It’s a cheat day treat if ever we saw one.
Each patty is lovingly crafted with the perfect blend of rare and traditional beef cuts, sourced from award-winning free-range butcher's Block and Bottle. To create the base of their menu, the meat is smashed into a raging hot grill, smothered with cheese and all the trimmings, before being steamed to melted gooey perfection.
Menu highlights include the bestselling French Canadian, which comes loaded with streaky bacon, blue cheese, garlic butter, chilli-maple syrup, hash brown, American cheese and signature Stack Sauce.
The sides menu is equally as desirable, particularly as it includes the Pompeii Fries: beef dripping fries smothered with Stack Sauce, fiery ‘nduja sugo, basil oil and parmesan cheese. The Filthy Fries encourage diners to get their hands dirty, with a killer combo of crumbled blue cheese, Signature Buffalo and crispy onions.
Those with a sweet tooth will naturally gravitate towards the Jersey Shakes, which come in a range of satisfying flavours, including Nutella, Peanut Butter and house made Raspberry Jam. MEAT: STACK also offers up their own brand of locally brewed pale ale, and a refillable soda fountain.
Image: Meat Stack
Opening in spring 2022, MEAT:STACK have taken over a vacant venue on Bishopgate Street, in the prestigious 34 Boar Lane building, right next to the train station.
MEAT:STACK has snapped up the last space in the recently renovated building, which is home to a plethora of creative offices, retail outlets and restaurants. The venue will seat up to 60 diners and create up to 25 new jobs in Leeds.
MEAT: STACK partner and director Allan Hyslop had this to say ahead of the release:
“Since we announced that we will be coming to Leeds, we cannot get over the incredible support we have had in the city."
"There is such a great food scene here and we cannot wait to be a part of that! Community is everything to us and we hope to be getting involved with as many businesses, creatives and foodie folk as we possibly can once we are open".
Whilst you can't quite visit the MEAT:STACK venue just yet but you can drool over the menu and plan your visit to 34 Boar Lane to get your cheeseburger fix in the coming weeks.
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Six of our favourite cosy pubs in Leeds City Centre to hide away from the rain
Clementine Hall
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.