The talented team behind El Gato Negro and Canto reveal plans to launch a second location for the group’s lates concept, Black Cat Club.
Launching this September at the former El Gato Negro Leeds site on Park Row, the Black Cat Club will be your new go-to spot for interactive gaming, sports and music.
The exciting new opening will bring interactive shuffleboard and darts to the venue, plus 9 screens (including a huge 98-inch mega screen) for live sports, alongside luxurious interiors and live DJs ever weekend.
Traditional shuffleboard is enhanced with technology that tracks players’ scores and can be played by up to eight people at a time.
Images: The Manc Group
Diners can enjoy a newly curated menu full of crowd-pleasing dishes from Black Cat Club Manchester such as Buttermilk Chicken Bites with Curry mayonnaise, Salt and Pepper Ribs, Dirty Fries and its ever popular £10 Lunch Offer.
With next-generation gaming in one exhilarating space, the venue will also house a destination bar, fuelling guests with signature cocktails and a large variety of beers and wines as they play, watch and enjoy.
Images: The Manc Group
For those who want to catch live sports on the biggest screen in town, guests can order ice-cold beers, signature cocktails and delicious food straight to their table, without missing a moment of the action.
The Black Cat Club will be offering a premium sport viewing experience with table service on tap thanks to its exclusive “push for service” buttons!
Simon Shaw from Mills Hill Development Limited said: “We are excited to reveal the second site of Black Cat Club in Leeds on Park Row.
Images: The Manc Group
“Thanks to the incredible success of our first Black Cat Club concept site which opened this March in Manchester, we’re ready to go again and bring this high energy and premium concept to Leeds.”
“Black Cat Club strives to bring the community together through contemporary food, gaming and an unrivalled entertainment experience in luxurious settings, like no other.”
Black Cat Club Leeds will be opening its doors on 13 September 2024.
Featured image - Supplied
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."
Clementine Hall -
19th July 2024 
