Tucked away inside Kirkgate market is an old school market stall diner selling giant Yorkshire puddings filled with gravy and stew.
The ultimate winter warmer on a wet, miserable day, it's a discovery we just had to share - and it's reasonably priced, too, with the sausage and gravy pudding coming in at just £3.25.
A proper old school cafe, you'll find it on the original M&S side - tucked in amongst tea shops, baklava stalls, plant stands, and more.
As you wander through a maze of different stalls, look out for its blue and white checked flooring, blue pillars and 'Cafe express' sign, decorated with small illustrations of a knife, fork, and spoon.
Cerulean stools flank the outside of the stall, whilst inside, as well as finding room for the kitchen, there's more table seating and a counter to order from.
We went for the sausage and onion gravy option, which was robust and flavourful. No sieving needed, the gravy was thick and hearty and the sausages were made from good-quality meat with a slightly herby edge.
You can sit down and eat here, but beware they don't allow your friends to join if they've ordered from elsewhere - something to do with the limited amount of seating.
If you do bag a seat, though, it's an incredibly cute spot to people watch as your dig into some ultimate Yorkshire comfort food, surrounded by builders, pensioners, and anyone else who appreciates a good scran and a generously priced menu.
For veggies, there's an option to enjoy without meat - replacing the sausages with potatoes. Or, alternatively, you can opt for homemade beef stew with a dumpling (£5.50) or just go for gravy and Yorkshire puddings on their own.
All classic combinations, we're sure you'll agree.
As for other dishes available here, think big English fry ups, toasties with chips and a big mug of tea or coffee for under a fiver, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and more.
There's also an afternoon offer here available from 2 pm daily where you can get a large mug of tea or coffee with any of their cakes or pastries for just £3.45. It's top comfort food scran for a very reasonable price, we think you'll agree.
Find Cafe Express it inside Kirkgate Market.
Leeds
Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Leeds
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Georgina Pellant -
1st November 2021 
