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.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
2nd December 2021 
