A menu full of Vimto-inspired dishes? It's certainly one to try out.
There's very few food combinations that we'd bat our eyelids at, given the bizarre combinations served up in Leeds.
We have combos like deep-fried pizzas, marmite on everything, pancake kebabs and that's before we've even started to look at the incredible foodie challenges like three courses of Yorkshire puds or a 2.5kg chippy tea.
Image: Trip Advisor
This said, our latest find might just be the wackiest yet.
The Vimto inspired menu from pub chain Hungry Horse takes the northern staple beverage and adds it into its bestselling burgers and sharers.
As a sharer for two people, there's a 2300 calorie extravaganza that's not for the faint-hearted. Turn up stomach-rumbling for a Full Coburg loaf drizzled with garlic glaze, filled with a whole Camembert and topped with Vimto onion chutney then baked to gooey perfection. Served with onion rings, carrot and cucumber sticks, plus extra Vimto chutney.
Hopefully, this has only just warmed up your appetite as there's a monster stack of Vimto-flavour on the main menu to get through.
The Berry Cheesy Vimto One burger is a whipping two beef burgers with bacon, baked Camembert, jalapenos, red onion, tomato, baby gem, mayo and Vimto onion BBQ chutney between two crisp rainbow-coloured buns. Served with onion rings, fries and a ketchup dipping pot, this is a huge burger that's dividing opinions across the nation.
Image: Greene King
A review from the Manchester Evening News said "Once I got stuck in and past the soggy bun, it actually tasted decent enough, if distinctly lacking in Vimto flavour".
Meanwhile Grimsby Live reported "It tasted amazing. The bun had a subtle Vimto flavour, as did the burger, which worked perfectly with the saltiness of the beef and the bacon."
If weird and wonderful food isn't on your agenda, there's still plenty of non-rainbow, non-Vimto flavours to choose from. Think chicken burgers, 28-day-aged-steaks and a Tikka Tower: grilled naan bread piled high with fries and cauliflower wings, smothered in tikka sauce and topped with mint yoghurt and fresh herbs.
To get your Hungry Horse fix in Leeds, you'll have to hop in the car or train to the suburbs. You can visit the Lawnswood Arms in Adel, Lord Gascoigne in Garforth, the Walnut Tree in Wakefield or Stanley Ferry in Stanley, just make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Sophie Smith -
2nd March 2022 
