There's a lovely cafe in Roundhay that's run almost entirely by adults living with disabilities like Down's syndrome, autism and loss of hearing.
Called Cafe Leep, it's an extension of Leep 1 - a self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities that launched about ten years ago.
The cafe itself opened in 2015 and was very busy pre-covid. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and there's a daily specials menu that uses up donated supermarket food from FareShare that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Here people can learn the skills they need to progress into the world of paid work, like preparing and cooking food, food safety hygiene, applying for jobs, interview techniques and professional etiquette.
The cafe serves a full breakfast and lunch menu, with morning favourites like the full English, bacon sandwich and toasted teacakes all good and present as you'd expect.
There's a good selection of veggie options on offer, with daily specials, omelettes, baked potatoes, cold and warm sandwiches, toasties, burgers and salads all making appearance at lunch.
And of course there's a good supply of coffee, tea and cake to get stuck into all day long.
Staff range from 19 to 62, and all undertake a level 1 or 2 NVQ programme in food safety whilst training at Cafe Leep. Four or five also go for professional barista training at Caffe Society in Sherburn In Elmet.
When it initially opened, the plan was to just sell coffee and cake but after manager Angie Marshall came on board with significant catering expertise she decided to introduce a bigger menu.
Now as well as serving customers in the day, Cafe Leep also runs several cooking classes a week and provides catering for functions and events. There's also the hope of expanding into the city centre and opening a second site, Cafe Leep 2.
The cafe is currently running a fundraiser to replace their coffee machine after the old one broke during lockdown. The new machine is crucial to helping with staff's coffee training.
It states: "Café Leep wants to change people’s perceptions of adults with learning disabilities and see their abilities and Not disabilities by helping our trainees gain qualifications and employment."
So far, they've raised £4,635 of the £5,000 target, If you'd like to donate to Cafe Leep’s GoFundMe campaign, visit the GoFundMe website.
Eats
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2021 
