SALT Craft + Cocktails is the perfect backdrop to your next special occasion.
Award-winning Yorkshire craft brewery SALT Beer Factory has been expanding across the city over the past year. Taking over the former Craft Asylum buildings, they have set up an incredible exposed brick bar and dining space in Granary Wharf and East Parade, each with their own concept.
In a joint effort with Middle Eastern food vendors, Falafel Guys, SALT Craft + Falafel opened earlier this year to serve up falafel, shawarma and halloumi to the masses on the Leeds Liverpool canal whilst their city centre location, East Parade, focus on drink offerings for the late night crowd.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Called SALT Craft + Cocktails, this is the place to grab a speciality drink or two right in the beating heart of the city centre.
Naturally the cocktails here are the go-to choice, not just because they're delicious (and we’re happy to vouch for that), but because you can grab anything from a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini to a Rum Punch in the same time it would take to pour a pint.
Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find summer offerings like Strawberry and Rhubarb Cosmopolitans, Aperol Spritz and Blood Orange Margarita.
These refreshing options come in addition to Ossett Brewery’s Yøn Helles Lager and SALTs much-loved selection of core range craft beers Jute, Citra, Huckaback, Alpaca and Ikat along with their specials and collaboration series brews such as The Hexagon Project #14 and Can I Borrow a Feeling?.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is decked out with a “living wall” of plants and greenery, with bi-fold windows opening out onto a brand-new outdoor seating area, acting as the perfect spot to socialise over a drink in the sunshine as the beating sun heats the outdoor space. Decorated with neon signage and exposed brick, it’s also incredibly understated in its décor, making it an ideal location for those looking for a photo op or two.
The genius bartenders here have cocktails on ‘tap’, so there's no waiting about and they're even 2 for £12 all day every day, making them an ideal location for any occasion. Whether you're treating the team at the office or hosting a birthday celebration, SALT Craft + Cocktails is set up perfectly for private events, so guests can expect quality service and incredible flavours on tap, no matter how busy the bar is.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Located just moments from one of Leeds' busiest nightlife spots, the East Parade location is slap-bang in the middle of all of the action especially once the sunny skies turn from pastel hues of aqua and lilac into midnight black.
Best of all, you can hire rooms for free, so there's no extra expenses involved, and if that’s not enough, there's a live DJ from 7pm every Friday and Saturday. So, although there's every opportunity to venture out into Leeds after you've partied at SALT, there isn't any necessity to leave this much-loved venue.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
All that’s really left to do is grab your desired company be it family, friends or colleagues and even their four-legged companions (yes, you can bring your dogs along too) to your next big event:
For more information, including how to book Leeds Craft + Cocktails at East Parade, Leeds city centre for your next big event, email salteastparade@saltbeerfactory.co.uk.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
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."
Sophie Smith -
24th April 2022 
