Beloved city centre food and drink spot White Cloth Hall is celebrating its very first year with a big birthday bash for the bank holiday.
With no tickets required and completely free entry too, we guess that's your weekend plans sorted.
It's almost hard to believe that the food hall and vibrant venue for local independent traders is soon to mark 12 whole months of serving Leeds, but we will say we've had some pretty incredible dishes, cocktails and created great memories here already.
With that in mind, there's really only one place this August bank holiday weekend, as far as we're concerned.
Inviting natives and daytrippers from around Yorkshire to join them on the terrace this Sunday, specifically, they're dubbing it "an outdoor party not to be missed."
When it comes to feeding the 5,000, popular grill and oyster bar, Lupton’s Chop House, will be cooking up a special birthday BBQ and even slinging out birthday cake for the punters to enjoy.
As for entertainment, there'll be live sets from Leeds DJ and music collective, Bomb the Twist (consisting of Ratty the Sly, Fig by Four and Mia Eden), as well as plenty more tunes all day long.
White Cloth Hall General Manager, Jacob Monks - who recently took charge of the venue - said ahead of the exciting event: "As White Cloth Hall celebrates its first birthday, I’m delighted to have recently stepped into the role of General Manager.
"It’s an exciting milestone, and I look forward to building on the success of this first year and creating many more memorable moments in the year ahead."
Sharing a simple statement/rally call ahead of the festivities, White Cloth have just one message: "Expect great tunes, good times and party vibes all day long."
Now, of course, the ever-bustling Crown Street spot will be good value all weekend long, but the official 'White Cloth Hall Bank Holiday Birthday Party' is set for Sunday, 24 August only.
Getting underway from 1pm and wrapping up around 9pm, we'll see you there.
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."
Danny Jones -
20th August 2025 
