Both Veganuary first timers missing missing the crispy tender taste of fried chicken and along time vegan that haven't found a plant-based fake chicken that's quite like the original are in for a treat this Veganuary.
Partnering up with London-based vegan specialists Temple of Seitan, Yard & Coop have added three new additions to their chicken menu that are said to taste just like the meaty originals.
According to Yard & Coop Leeds, "Temple of Seitan specialise in vegan fried chicken -best we’ve ever tasted - and we’re so excited to be able to bring them up North for the month and put our Coop twist on it."
So what's on the menu this Veganuary?
THe AbraKEBABra and Karen's Doing Veganuary Burger. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
There's the AbraKEBABra, a grilled and shaved Temple of Seitan with sweet pickled cabbage, diced tomato, minted yoghurt, chilli sauce, pickle chilli and crisp fries wrapped in a pitta served. All Veganuary dishes are served with portion of our fries, just in case you've still got room.
Then there's the hilariously named Karen's Doing Veganuary. Think Temple of Seitan tenders filled with crispy bacon, street slaw, lettuce, tomato, BBQ sauce and vegan mayo. Yard & Coop reckon that times are changing and so is Karen, meaning she'd embrace Temple of Seitan tenders in a heartbeat- we'll take their word for it.
There's also a Massive Vegan Cock Burger on offer- a 12" plant-based version of the original Yard & Coope Massive Cock dish. Standing at 30cm tall, piled high with Double stacked with Temple of Seitan tenders, 2 hash browns, salt and pepper cauli flower andstreet slaw.
We're not done just yet, if those toppings weren't enough, there's vegan bacon, cheese slices,lashings of chilli and mint yoghurt, chopped iceberg, sliced tomato, gherkins, red onion topped with a seitan wing all stacked on top. All crammed within a vegan brioche bun with loads of fries- what more could you possibly want from a vegan chicken burger?
The restaurant can be found on Merrion Street. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
The collaborative menu will only be available until the 6th of February, so make sure to book your seat in the coop to avoid disappointment. For more information, including how to book, visit the Yard & Coop website.
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.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sophie Smith -
7th January 2022 
