If Terry's Chocolate Orange in a cookie dough or a turkey hanging kebab wasn't enough, The Botanist have now opened their winter Madri lodges for Christmas.
The festive season came early at The Botanist and nobody complained. But their late announcement to open up winter Madri lodges was the festive surprise everyone is excited to try.
There's nothing worse than arriving at a bar and not being able to hear a word your friends are trying to say. With every office in town now having their Christmas party and families getting together ahead of December 25th, it's more difficult than ever to find some privacy.
The winter Madri lodges will keep you away from the snow on Boar Lane. / Image: The Botanist
Except at the winter lodges. Designed for just four to six people to sit in, there are no strangers invited: giving you more time to have those conversations that matter.
Choose from one of four booths for you and your nearest and dearest and enjoy a private drinking and dining experience like no other.
Perfect for private dinners or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful, but busiest time of the year, the winter lodges can be booked in advance.
In order to make the most of these new seats, book online or call the Boar Lane restaurant and upon arrival, tuck into the new autumn winter menu: it's full of winter warmers but, of course, their Terry's-inspired dish wins all the prizes for best festive dish.
A Chocolate Orange Cookie Dough filled with chocolate pieces, topped with vanilla ice cream and a signature segment of Terry's Chocolate Orange.
The Terry's Chocolate Orange Cookie Dough is just one of the stars of this menu. / Image: Jack Kirwin This festive hanging kebab has all the trimmings, leaving the brussel sprouts optional. / Image: Jack Kirwin
That's not all though, the transformed menu is full of delicious Christmas treats that need to be devoured before tucking into this delicious dessert.
The turkey with all the trimmings kebab is also set to be a firm favourite in Leeds and beyond.
The hanging kebab features turkey, stuffing and pigs in blanket skewer with a selection of roast potatoes. it really doesn't get more festive than that.
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
Clementine Hall
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Sophie Smith -
2nd December 2021 
