The highly anticipated Yorkshire Pudding Festival returns to Leeds and is set to be 'bigger and better' than ever at unique new location.
Ink Events world’s first festival dedicated to Yorkshire’s favourite staple side dish attracted worldwide attention back in 2020.
This year they're making a comeback and the festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, taking over the rooftop at CitiPark Leeds Dock car park on 1 and 2 October 2022.
Visitors will be able to experience the offerings from a range of food stalls showcasing different cuisines from around the world, all inside the humble yet mighty Yorkshire Pudding of course.
There'll be a number of bars serving up speciality drinks, with the Yorkshire Pudding Beer Brewery showcasing Yorkshire Pudding Beer, Yorkshire Pudding Whisky, Yorkshire Pudding and Strawberry Jam Vodka, Yorkshire Pudding and Strawberry Jam Gin and Yorkshire Pudding Pink Gin.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't just stop there, a new exciting attraction the ‘Pudd-tastic Kitchen’, will see Yorkshire’s own Great British Bake-Off star, Sandy Docherty hosting cooking sessions all weekend.
This also includes the Pudd-Off Challenge where two members of the public go head-to-head to prove they make the best Yorkshire Puddings in the world. So if you think you've got what it takes, then make sure to get yourself down to the festival and get whisking, mixing and showcasing your best ever yorky puds.
If you're more into the eating of the Yorkshire Puddings rather than the cooking, then the ‘Scoff Off’ Competition will see visitors eating as many Yorkies as they can in 3 minutes, with the current record standing at a whopping 60.
Image: Supplied
With the addition of independent craft and vintage stalls, live music playing on the ‘Gravy Stage’ and a dedicated children’s activity area, the weekend festival really will have something for all the family.
Ben Vollans, Event Production Manager of Ink Events said: “We were blown away with the success of our inaugural Yorkshire Pudding Festival where we welcomed over 10,000 visitors. It was incredible to see so many people there to celebrate our shared love of the Yorkshire Pudding with guests travelling from as far as Singapore!
"This year we have decided to move the festival to a much bigger location and we are spreading it out over a full weekend to make sure our guests get as much enjoyment out of the experience as possible. We are excited to work with CitiPark on this event and can’t wait for visitors to experience what this year’s festival at Leeds Dock has to offer”.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale this Friday 30 September at 6pm, and can be bought here on the festival's website.
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."
Clementine Hall -
27th September 2022 
