There's very few steakhouses we trust to get our cooking preferences right each time but Blackhouse on East Parade is serving up some seriously mouthwatering brunches.
Specialising in blending causal lunches with sophisticated fine-dining options, Blackhouse remains the sole venue venture from Living Ventures for good reason. Their intimately lit restaurant provides a lunchtime spot where leaving 'well fed' is an understatement.
Blackhouse’s menu brings out the best of meat. Think Half-Roasted Chickens, huge steak portions, fish and chips and plenty of veggie options too. With so many worldwide-inspired dishes to choose from, there is something for every dietary requirement, even vegans and vegetarians- a rarity at steakhouses.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The portions here are plenty, but don't compromise on quality- even on the weekends when the special lunch menu is combined with a boozy bottomless brunch experience.
On the menu, guests can choose from the likes of warm chicken and chorizo salad; the classic fish and chips with tartare sauce and mushy peas or opt for classic favourites like the half-roast chicken.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Half-Roasting Chicken is the ultimate winter warmer for anyone looking for a cosy lunchtime treat and paired with a glass of bubbly. Served with skinny chips, stuffing and mouth watering gravy, the half chicken is plenty to keep you going on a cold windy day.
Those wanting to test out the famous Blackhouse-steak without committing to an English Tomahawk won’t be able to resist the Blackhouse Steak Sandwich.
We’re talking fillet steak, tenderly cut into chunks and topped with onion, mushroom, burnt onion mayonnaise, horseradish cream and mature cheddar, all between two soft pieces of bread. Served with skinny fries, this is another winter warming dish that is perfect for an afternoon treat.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Turning this incredible lunch menu into a boozy afternoon of unlimited tipple, the bottomless brunch offerings come with a choice of Prosecco, beer or wines.
Each guest chooses their selection on the day and can choose to stick to their sophisticated beverage of choice or mix and match according to the palette's needs throughout the full 90 minute sitting.
Available 12-3pm every Saturday from East Parade at £36.50 per person, make sure that you book a table in advance to avoid disappointment as during the weekend when you'll be competing with those looking for a lunchtime option in the city centre as well as the bottomless brunchers.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Sophie Smith -
6th April 2022 
