Who knows, these vegan loaded fries might convert you to a plant-based diet all year round.
It's no secret that loaded fries are the ultimate sharing dish. Whether you like barbecue, gravy or cheesy varieties, there’s always something for everyone on the plate to enjoy. But when you're the only vegan in a group on a night out, it sucks having to order a different plate or simple go without- so we've found the best vegan fries in Leeds that'll make your meat-eating mates want a taste of yours.
Before you know it, you'll have converted them to the vegan loaded fries and they'll become your staple sharer in no time- at least that's the aim here.
Vegan loaded fries from Hooyah is available from Deliveroo- so even if you want to sit in your PJs all night, you don't have to miss out on some meat-free loaded fries. The Chic-a-go loaded fries are made up of crumbled Falafel and Spinach accompanied with a vegan yoghurt and mint Sauce, mango chutney, chopped red onion and chilli sauce- all inspired from the Indigenous tribes of Chicago. If you do fancy eating in, their newly-opened restaurant on Albion Street is home to their 'build your own burger' menu and some seriously thick milkshakes so expect flavours aplenty.
Piled with vegan hoisin ‘duck’, spring rolls and chillies, the Vegan Hoisin fries are a chef's kiss level of perfection. As cult fans of this particular dish, it is The Hoot's go to at Assembly Underground, Beer Hawk or even when we're over in Manchester. Pair these delicious fries with a plant-based burgers loaded with vegan cheese (the stringy kind), onion rings, jalapenos and roquito chillies and more for the ultimate vegan dinner.
Long time vegan are more than likely to be accustomed to the tasty delights available from Knaves, who work from the kitchen at Oporto. The Woffy's Hogtied Waffle Fries come with facon bits and facon mayo - and if you like pickles, there's deep fried ‘Frickles’ to snack on too. With a 100% vegan menu, you really can't go wrong ordering your meat-free dinner from here.
These loaded fries comes with house pickle, cheese, F.A secret sauce and crispy onions from meat-free hot dog company, Fat Annies. Famous locally for their hot dogs that'll cure any hangover and tasty burgers, you'll find the kitchen inside the Kirkgate Markets every day of the week. Looking for something a little different? Why not try the I've Got Five On It Fries with b'con, cheese, pickle, jalapenos and crispy onions instead?
Fries that were made for sharing were practically invented at Patty Smiths. Located in Belgrave, you can pile up the fries and sauce and share with as many as possible- though we wouldn't judge you if you took on the Session Fries for yourself either. Available every single day alongside Dough Boys Pizza on Belgrave Street, either to eat inside or on the rooftop terrace (just bring a coat unless you're visiting in the peak of summer)
When we say all kinds, we mean all kinds. Get your vegan fries three different ways from Döner Summer, you can get them plain and simple with skin-on, with garlic or add parmesan for the ultimate lunchtime snack. Pair with a Fried Chick'n Combo and you're on to a winner. These vegan junk food experts aren't even exclusive to Leeds, so if you're in Huddersfield or over in Manchester, you can still get a taste of meat-free fries.
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Team behind Headrow House and Belgrave to take over and reopen Woodside just one year after opening
Clementine Hall
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
Sophie Smith -
12th January 2022 
