The new summer pop-up from the creators of Culto and Poco Sicilian.
Inspired by the bold colours and seaside of the Amalfi coast, Veranda is the new summer pop-up from Culto Meanwood, perfect to soak up the last of the summer sun.
Open weekdays from 5pm and midday at the weekend, post-work drinks and light bites are available until until 10pm as long as the sun is shining.
If you've ever dined at Culto, you'll be able to imagine the fresh smell of cheese, meats and bruschetta across the veranda as you while away the evening, Limoncello cocktail in hand.
Image: Veranda
Feast your eyes on sharing platters and graze on homemade focaccia, Burrata cheese balls, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and a selection of Italian antipasti, designed for either two or four at a time, with vegan alternatives for those dining on a plant-based diet.
If that's not enough, there's a host of small plates to chose from with cooked ham, beef bresaola, Straccino cheese, Mortadella sausage, grilled courgette and so much more.
Image: Veranda
Cocktail-wise you're spoilt for choice. There's frozen cocktails perfect for a hot summers afternoon in both Italian favourite flavours: Limoncello and Aperol Spritz.
There's Italian-inspired drinks aplenty, like the La Dolce Vita Spritz is a concoction of Malfy Gin con Arancia, prosecco and limonata, Limoncello Martinis and staples like Garibaldis and Campari Spritz ready to transport the senses to the coastline.
Naturally Peroni and Birra Moretti make it on to the drinks list alongside a considered wine menu and proper coffee choices too.
A list of the UK's best independent coffee shops for 2026 has been released, and one in Leeds has come up trumps.
The coffee shop in question may come as no surprise to some of you, as some would say that after 15 years in the city it's become somewhat of an institution.
Of course it's none other than Laynes.
Founded in 2011 by Dave Olejnik, Laynes began life on New Station Street and quickly became one of the first venues in Leeds to focus on carefully sourced and roasted coffee beans, helping lead the way for the city's now-thriving independent coffee scene.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's a proper Leeds staple at this point, sat proudly with its glowing yellow exterior and queues out the door full of punters looking for their morning caffeine fix.
But it's not just us who think it's flipping fantastic, as a new study has revealed the top 10 most popular independent coffee shops in the country and Laynes comes in at a very respectable number 8.
The list, made by Capital on Tap, analysed coffee across the UK looking at Google reviews, monthly searches and social media success.
Laynes was in some pretty good company including Idle Hands in Manchester and Kaf Coffee in Glasgow. But most importantly, none of the top 10 were in London - make of that what you will.
The top 10 most popular independent coffee shops for 2026:
Neighbourhood Café, Belfast
Colonna & Small’s, Bath
Established Coffee, Belfast
Hard Lines Coffee, Cardiff
Rough Handmade, Liverpool
Idle Hands Coffee, Manchester
Full Court Press, Bristol
Laynes Espresso, Leeds
Kaf Coffee, Glasgow
Dom’s Coffee, Cambridge
Bravo Laynes, a well earned accolade for one of our favourite spots in the city.
A bakery serving giant NYC-style cookies and fluffy cinnamon buns has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
If you've got a seriously sweet tooth, then you're going to love this new opening.
It seems like there's been a flurry of new bakeries popping up in and around Leeds recently, and we're certainly not complaining.
Introducing Crumbb, a beautiful new bakery that has just opened its doors on Hyde Park Road just moments outside of the city centre.
Owner Naila started the businesses as a wholesaler six years ago, stocking up local businesses from far and wide with sweet treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Since then, Crumbbs opened its first location in Bradford just a few months ago that has been nothing short of a resounding success. So much so, that Crumbbs 2.0 was born right here in Leeds a few days ago.
Right, let's talk you through what's on offer.
For the sweet toothed out there, there's a whole myriad of treats for you to enjoy. We're talking giant NYC-style cookies, fluffy cinnamon buns topped with gooey icing, brownies slices, cookie muffins, rocky road, flapjack, the list is truly endless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can even get warm cookie trays and hot brownies to enjoy in house that can be topped with ice cream or thick custard.
And it doesn't stop there, Crumbbs also whip up freshly baked savoury focaccia slices as well as cheese twists, pizza slices and savoury rolls filled with creamy mozzarella and herbs.
They've also got a fabulous drink selection on offer including matcha, coffee and hot chocolates.
Located in Headingley, we've got a feeling this spot is going to be a huge hit with students and locals alike looking to get their sweet treat fix. But they'll have to beat us to it first.
Sophie Smith -
2nd August 2022 
