Newly-opened micropub Against the Grain is the latest community-spirited pub to open in Leeds- and it's championing all things local.
Grey tiled walls with intimate lighting and fresh wooden tabletops and stools: Against the Grain may have only been open for two short weeks, but their home-away-from-home atmosphere is going to provide a regular watering hole to Leeds locals for quite some time.
With a name inspired by the former buildings life as a bakery and the main ingredient in their boozy options, Against the Grain appears to be all about providing the community with quality produce.
Naturally, micropubs are all about quality over quantity and this new opening is a prime example of this. Serving up pork pies, charcuterie and other staple British small dishes, customers can pair their delectable bar snacks with a range of lagers, ales and sprits.
Of course, there's local breweries like Northern Monk and Piglove Brewing Co. championed with a selection of their craft beers served, but the owners here have ensured that their micropub has a considered selection of all things alcoholic.
Wine has been selected by Latitude Wines, the cocktail menu from Farrand's and Against the Grain is even rumoured to create its own gin in a collaborative project with Liquor Studio in Leeds city centre.
Sharing a love of unique flavours, experimental beer drinkers will be delighted to see the likes of Play Brew Co's Rhubard & Custard Milkshake Pale coming in with reviews like "Based on old skool boiled sweets, treat us like a lil' tuck shop. Nom" and available by the can inside the Bramley bar.
Open Thursday - Sunday, Against the Grain is the latest micropub to pop up in our city, and given its only a short bus journey away from the city centre on Stanningley Road, it's going to be a popular option for all Loiners that love to test out the latest drinking hotspots.
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.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
18th April 2022 
