Leeds is about to get a whole lot fluffier and it's all thanks to our favourite cheesy team.
It's no surprise that we're The Cheesy Living Co.'s biggest fans.
Whatever they do, and whatever they turn their attention to, turns to absolute gold dust. And we're sure this new venture will be no different.
We've only just gotten over the news that they're opening up a new Cheesy over in Pudsey, but now they're opening up another site in Leeds and it's going to be a little bit different - but still as brilliant, obviously.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Fold, a focacceria and bakery that will be providing all the bakes for their numerous sites across the city (which will equal to three once their new spot in Pudsey opens its doors).
And in the future welcoming punters in for fluffy focaccia bakes, coffee and all that good stuff.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, the team said: "We picked up the keys to our new unit today & although there’s loads to do before we’re open for business, here’s a little taste of whats to come...
"@foldfocacceria will be our new much bigger & better ‘in-house’ bakery for all of the bread, bagels & sweet treats that we use / sell across our sites.
"Longer term, we want to open up to the public for grab & go sarnies, coffee & whatever other delicious things our bakery team are making that day + maybe even offer some wholesale products.
"We’re able to do this because people have never stopped supporting us, which is why we feel it’s our duty to try to keep improving & be the best we possibly can.
"It’s still just us, as proudly independent as ever - so to say this is a dream come true would be pretty damn accurate x"
We're absolutely chuffed for them and can't wait to follow along the journey of Fold, we're sure it's going to be completely epic.
Whether you're a student or not, Bakery 164 is a Leeds staple.
And you really can't miss it either.
Standing proudly opposite the Parkinson Steps on the corner of Woodhouse Lane, their bright yellow and red canopy lures you in if the inviting smell of fresh bread hasn't already.
They've been serving the students of Leeds since 1994, and are known for their specialist sandwiches that won't break the bank.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On a lunchtime you'll have to join the queue of hungry students looking to get their fix, but it's well worth the wait.
The bread is what they do best, every evening they hand mix and hand shape their ciabatta and focaccia dough, which is then baked overnight so it’s fresh out of the ovens in the morning.
Then come the fillings, at Bakery 164 they specialise in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, using seasonal ingredients and local produce wherever possible.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Signature sandwiches include grilled chicken, halloumi and bacon with chilli mayo, prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto and sun-dried tomato as well as meatballs and mozzarella with Reggae Reggae sauce.
A price for a sandwich comes in at around a fiver, and they easily wipe the floor with any meal deal sarnie you can grab from a supermarket round the corner.
Just choose your sandwich, take it to the till and they'll warm it up for you there and then at no extra cost.
And it's not just sandwiches, they've also got fresh coffee on offer to keep you going between lectures as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats.
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Clementine Hall -
25th February 2025 
