Leeds is full of lockdown success stories, but the ever-humble Cheesy Living Co. have had a whirlwind year like no other.
The Cheesy Living Co. has made a considerable stamp on the Leeds foodie scene after opening less than a year ago. Whether you met Jake and Soph at the Corn Exchange or whilst visiting the Savvy Baker, the pop-up cheese and charcuterie specialists have been cooking up quite a storm.
The Cheesy Living Co. is the small independent bringing a whole world of cheese to Leeds that you need to know about. You can find them around Leeds, but you can also grab all things cheese and charcuterie online.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
The company create bespoke boxes of cheese, cured meats and accompaniments, as well as selling limited edition stock such as Spanish cheese, sweet rocky road salami and more.
The team of two: Jake Fischer, the 'big cheese' and Soph Branowsky, Creative Director, set out to take on the cheese scene after finding a gap on the market for locally sourced products during lockdown.
Founder Jake told us that: "Working in hospitality, when covid restrictions hit hard for the second time we decided that the time was right (and for our own sanity) to pursue a passion and love for all things cheese & charcuterie.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
"At first the idea was simply to bring together the best produce out there and to make it more accessible for people to enjoy, but we quickly found that quality of things being made here in the U.K. was just incredible! We thought why is this stuff not easier to get hold of?! And that’s when we decided to focus on British and locally sourced products."
Prior to this Jake was managing a cocktail and wine bar in Leeds city centre for four years, but had held different positions across the hospitality sector for over twelve years.
Since swapping the bar for business, the duo told us that the biggest lesson they learnt is "most importantly to take every opportunity that’s thrown at you and give it a go. You never really know what’s going to work until you try".
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Living by their own mantra, the company have secured 1500 followers on Instagram and grown a firm fan basis across Leeds city centre and beyond.
The duo are hoping to secure their first proper site where they can work from on a permanent basis. The pair have "found a location that provides an exciting opportunity for us to take the next step with the business".
Hoping to open their doors doors in spring 2022, located in Leeds city centre, we know that we're not the only ones excited about this next step for the Cheesy Living Co.
Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Reflecting on the past year, we asked the 'big cheese' himself what it's like to take on a new venture in lockdown and what's the best thing to come out of their career swap.
"It’s probably been getting to share what we love with so many people. Considering we only really launched 7 months ago we’ve a long way in that time.
"Having a good product is one part of it of course, but the rest is down to the incredible support we’ve had from family, friends and all of our customers… We have a lot of ambition and seeing that start to become a reality is such an incredible feeling.
"2021 has been such a tough year for so many people, so to be able to do what we’re passionate about on a daily basis is such a humbling feeling."
To get your cheese and charcuterie fix, you can visit the Cheesy Living Co's Instagram page to follow their journey to an official, permanent space and find out where the company will be popping up in the meantime too. Alternatively, to take their charcuterie boards for a taste test- head over to their website.
From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Misu
Trinity Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.
Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.
Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.
Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.
Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.
One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs.
We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.
Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.
North Star Coffee
59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.
Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.
Sophie Smith -
4th January 2022 
