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.
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 -
7th January 2022 
