A huge rum festival is coming to Leeds next month and it sounds incredible.
Hosted by Leeds-based events company Rolling Social, this year marks Rum Fest's fifth anniversary - which means they are pulling out all the stops.
Expect hundreds of rum expressions, professional masterclasses, cocktail-making classes, a bottle shop, live music and entertainment – all centered around bringing the Carnival vibe to Leeds.
With appearances from fifteen of the very best rum brands, from Plantation to El Dorado, The Duppy Share and Diablesse, there's a whole host of exciting rum brands taking part - joined by mixer sponsor The London Essence.
Whether you’re a rum aficionado or simply partial to a quality cocktail, this sounds like a great day out with loads of different rum drinks to sample throughout.
Image: Leeds rum festival
For £30, your ticket will include entry to the festival and a range of different rum samples, plus workshops and entertainment.
Elsewhere, there'll be a top-quality cocktail bar in action to continue your rum education and a whole host of street food traders to help you line your stomach with some of Leeds' tastiest scrans.
Leeds-based events company, Rolling Social, has been bringing digital celebrations of food and drink to the city throughout lockdown – and now, as the world comes back to life, the fun is set to continue with the hotly anticipated Rum Fest on Saturday 9 October.
Image: Leeds Rum Festival
Whether you’re a rum aficionado or simply partial to a quality cocktail, this spirit spectacular – set in Leeds’ historic Corn Exchange – might just be the ideal day out for you.
Lee Jones, Creative Director Rolling Social Events, said:
“After the success of our digital rum festivals, we’re incredibly excited to be back at our home in the Corn Exchange for what will be our fifth birthday.
"This event will be the perfect chance to welcome back old friends and embrace some new ones. We’ve got a whole host of exciting brands lined up, and we’re excited to be announcing some of the headliners today.
"Our main sponsors are The Duppy Share, Diplomatico and The London Essence are main sponsors, and they’ll be joined by Hampden Estate, Nusa Cana and loads more to come!”
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."
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
