Nineteen venues, and a whole lot of Margaritas to celebrate National Margarita Day.
If you're a fan of Margaritas, then you will most definitely want to keep reading.
As of next week, from Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February 2024, a mile-long Margarita crawl aka the Margarita Mile is coming to the city.
Why? Well it's all down to El Tequileño. Produced in the Mexican town of Tequila, the award-winning Tequila brand together with everyone's favourite posh salt, Maldon Salt, are helping venues across Leeds to create the very best tasting Margarita cocktails.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Margarita Mile started last year in Manchester with a bang, and now Leeds is getting in on the action.
Cheers'ing big to National Margarita Day on 22 February, nineteen of the coolest venues across Leeds will be showcasing their very best El Tequileño Margaritas and other El Tequileño tequila cocktails for just one week only.
The bars, which include fan-favourites like Tabula Rasa and Neon Cactus, will all be putting their own signature flair on the drink – so you can make it your own mission to decide whose is best.
Challenge accepted if you ask us.
Embark on the mile-long crawl and drink as many or as little as you like, but remember you've only got one week to sample them all and you should always drink responsibly.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it doesn't stop there, there will also be some exciting events taking place at the venues during the week for you to get involved in.
On Wednesday 21, The Domino Club will be hosting 'Music To Drink Margaritas To', a raucous version of their usual live music evenings, so grab your sombreros and get ready for a fiesta at one of the city's best speakeasies.
Fancy making the drink yourself? Well you're in luck as The Liquor Studio will be hosting a consumer Masterclass on National Margarita Day itself, 22 February.
Closing the celebrations, The Watermark will be hosting 'La Loteria', a wild version of Mexican Bingo – expect lots of fun and frivolity which you'll want to raise a Margarita to.
And if you'd like to have a guided experience of the mile, then The Gin Journey crew will be hosting a Mini Margarita journey on Saturday 24 where you can drink 3 different Margaritas and 3 El Tequileño tasters in 3 of the city’s bars with an expert guide. Find out more here.
Take a look at Leeds’ Margarita Mile map below.
With the hospitality industry suffering greatly in recent times, the Margarita Mile is a fantastic initiative to help venues draw in and generate business.
Steffin Oghene, Global Ambassador for El Tequileño, says: “El Tequileño encourages everyone, from cocktail fans to tequila lovers to those who want to learn more about quality craft spirits, to get out on the mile to try a Margarita.
"We are super proud to be extending the Margarita Mile to 3 key UK cities in 2024 including Leeds. Tony and I look forward to meeting the people of Leeds out on the mile!”
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."
Clementine Hall -
15th February 2024 
