Manchester's famous Antipodean cafe and brunch spot, Federal, has finally confirmed its opening date here in Leeds.
Better still, they're giving away a whopping 1,000 completely FREE drinks to celebrate.
For anyone unfamiliar with the favourite Anzac brand, which already has three different and equally busy branches in Manchester - not to mention a pop-up in Altrincham Market - it brings Australian and New Zealand cuisine to the bustling city centre.
Some of you might not know much about Aussie and Kiwi food (many of us didn't before we first visited this place, to tell the truth), but with unreal eggs, bagels, bakes, coffees and more, there's plenty of 'tucker' to tuck into.
"Leeds has the same buzz and a growing independent brunch scene similar to Manchester. We don’t expand for the sake of it; we wait for the right time and the right energy for Federal!
"Everything we do is fuelled by passion for great brunch, great coffee and crafting the perfect space to ensure every one of our guests leaves brighter."
They said it themselves: they've been waiting for the right time to set the date, and giving Yorkshire an early Christmas present sounds as good a time as any to us.
Now 11 years on from their first site opening in Manchester city centre, Federal lands in Leeds on Monday, 15 December.
Better still, they'll be celebrating their first weekend in the region with the aforementioned free drinks.
They're even promising some exclusive Leeds-centric merch and a special new martini inspired by the city, too...
Opening doors to their new venue at 34 Boar Lane on Saturday and Sunday from 8am, there'll be a total of 1,000 free coffees available to the public.
Speaking ahead of the Leeds launch, Ribeiro said: “We’re incredibly excited to officially announce 15 December as our opening date. There’s a real buzz around Federal coming to Leeds, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.
“Leeds shares so much of the energy we love about Manchester, a thriving independent scene and a genuine passion for great food and coffee.
"Bringing Federal to Yorkshire feels like the perfect next chapter, and we’re gearing up for an amazing launch."
See you in the queues - which, by the way, you can soon expect to line up almost every weekend for the foreseeable future.
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."
Danny Jones -
2nd December 2025 
