The Instagram-famous Leeds brownies, brookies and sweet treat jars are now available from the first ever Savvy Baker cafe in Leeds.
Located in the leafy suburbs of Roundhay, The Savvy Baker has opened its first cafe on Lidgett Lane.
The new cafe, open from 8.30am Thursday 31 March, will be stocking all of Leeds’ favourite baked goods, expect all their usual brownies, brookies, cookies, flapjacks, cakes, tarts, sticky stuff and serving up Leeds’ famous North Star coffee.
The cafe is beautifully decorated with photographs of The Savvy Baker treats: think close up brownie shots oozing with caramel framed on coffee-coloured walls; cozy seating and intimate lighting creating a warming atmosphere from the moment you step inside the cafe.
Savannah Roqaa became an overnight sensation after sending her friends brownie care packages in the first lockdown two years ago, and has since captured the attention of the entire city with her innovative brownie flavours, charismatic demeanour and pop-up events in and around Leeds.
Branding her creations as The Savvy Baker business, Kalvin Philips, Josh Warrington and other Leeds' A-listers are amongst the dedicated fan base of the The Savvy Baker- the Leeds United Legend attended the cafe opening to show his support for the new venture from Savannah and partner Jordan Simms.
Savannah will be working from the cafe to help out with the day-to-day running of the business, making coffees and serving customers whilst sharing her infectious love of brownies and baked goods with Leeds whilst partner Jordan, who completed much of the renovations will support the business from both the bakery and new cafe.
Image: The Savvy Baker
Savannah has commented: “Jordan moved up to Leeds and has always been my biggest supporter. I’m so busy with the bakery and running that side of the business that having someone I trust to help run the cafe was a must…plus not having to make every decision alone is a bonus!
We’re both really excited; it feels like the most natural next step. Initially, we were solely online, but as the world changes, we have to adapt! So that’s what’s happened.”
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The baking entrepreneur is celebrating two years of baking brownies by opening the cafe in Roundhay, where her business first began in Roundhay during the first lockdown.
The cafe is going to run alongside the commercial kitchen that currently produces hundreds of brownies for local businesses and hungry customers around the city- drawing a following from some 52,000 followers on Instagram alone.
“After we’ve been open a couple of months, we will be able to expand our menu, offering breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, shakes, ice cream, and more! We also want to plan events, including doggy days! But we’re taking it one step at a time”.
From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Misu
Trinity Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.
Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.
Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.
Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.
Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.
One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs.
We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.
Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.
North Star Coffee
59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.
Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.