One of Leeds' most popular and beautiful restaurants has unveiled a new look for winter, with Tattu also launching a seasonal menu to go with it.
Thestunning restaurant specialises in contemporary Chinese fusion cuisine and is famed for the huge cherry blossom tree that stands in its dining room.
But for the colder months, it has transformed into an icy paradise, its tree turned into a crystalline blue, taking inspiration from China’s most northernmost provinces, where snow-capped mountains and bright stars scatter the horizon.
Tattu’s The Great Snow concept also includes new sharing menus with snow-scaped dishes, where signature menus of small and large plates encourage social dining.
The restaurant’s legendary Frozen Cherry Blossom dessert, a festive fusion of cherry, spiced apple and chocolate, is back for the winter season only. It's joined by the Snow Leopard, a unique dessert featuring honeycomb, white chocolate and meringue, in a leopard-print casing.
£1 from the sale of every Snow Leopard dessert will be donated to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), a wildlife conservation charity operating across Africa and Asia to end wildlife crime and protect endangered species - including the Snow Leopard.
On Sundays, the Far East will collide with a great British institution when Tattu hosts its Imperial Sunday Roast.
The Cherry Blossom dessert at Tattu. Credit: Lateef PhotographyThe Great Snow cocktail is part of Tattu's winter menu. Credit: Lateef PhotographyTattu is one of Leeds' leading restaurants. Credit: Lateef Photography
Meat options include Chinese BBQ chicken, aromatic roast duck, and char siu pork, with mock caramel soy beef fillet and satay cauliflower for vegetarians. Trimmings will include steamed bao, pickles and crispy shallots, pak choi, beansprout noodles, and duck egg and sausage rice, with an Asian pear sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Limited-edition cocktails, including The Great Snow (an effervescent mix of Grey Goose vodka, elderflower, lemon and prosecco) and Zhanshi (a rich and fruity expression of Patrón Tequila, coffee, blackcurrant and oat milk) will be behind Tattu’s award-winning bar.
Image: Lateef Photography
To complete The Great Snow’s atmosphere there’ll be DJs playing deep house soundtracks, and bespoke visuals.
The Great Snow will run at Tattu from 1 November to 31 December - you can find out more and book a table here.
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."
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening date just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Daisy Jackson -
14th November 2023 
