A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
X
Eats
The new festive menu with Terry’s chocolate orange desserts and turkey kebabs
Terry's Chocolate Orange Cookie Dough, turkey kekabs with all the trimmings, a full Christmas buffet: could The Botanist's Christmas menu get any better?
A Terry's Chocolate Orange is a Christmas classic and although we never get bored of the melt-in-your-mouth goodness, we are so ready for this makeover from The Botanist.
Christmas has come early at The Botanist and nobody is complaining.
The new autumn winter menu is out and full of winter warmers but, of course, their Terry's-inspired dish wins all the prizes for best festive dish.
In 2019, the restaurant blessed us with a Chocolate Orange Negroni, but they truly have taken it up a notch this year.
This one is all about the chocolate. 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
That's not all though, the transformed menu is full of delicious Christmas treats that need to be devoured before tucking into this delicious desert.
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 as selection of roast potatoes: it really doesn't get more festive than that.
This festive kebab has all the trimmings, leaving the brussel sprouts optional. / Image: Jack Kirwin
Unless the Christmas Buffet takes your fancy.
We're talking turkey koftas, pigs in blankets and baked Camembert all on a huge sharing platter. Perfect for the season of giving.
The Botanist's staff are just as enthused about the menu changes as we are too.
James Scott, Exceutive Chef for The Botanist said:
“We can’t wait to welcome guests with their friends and family during the festive season.
Our new Autumn Winter menu contains cosy classic dishes alongside some new festive favourites – designed to let people celebrate Christmas whenever suit them! At The Botanist, we believe the winter 'tis the season to really indulge".
To book your place at the Christmas table, visit The Botanist website or pop into their restaurant located adjacent to Trinity.
Feature Image- The Botanist
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
4th November 2021 
