Home, one of Leeds' leading restaurants, has announced its shock closure after 'seven incredible years'.
The fine-dining establishment, headed up by chef patron Elizabeth Cottam, has said that it is 'succumbing to the insurmountable economic pressures' that have been crippling the hospitality industry, and many other businesses, of late.
In a statement shared on Instagram this morning, Elizabeth said that she and her team 'can hold our heads high' having 'given our all'.
She also said that it has been 'an honour and a privilege to have entertained you over the years'.
The riverside restaurant served creative tasting menus of varying lengths, priced between £65 and £145 depending on the number of courses.
Despite being widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Leeds, Home has very sadly announced it's reached the end of the road.
It's sad news on a day when Leeds was busy celebrating the achievements of another eatery across town, with Bavette being named the best local restaurant in all of Britain just this morning.
Chef Elizabeth Cottam shared a statement announcing the closure of HOME restaurant in Leeds. Credit: Instagram, @home_leedsHOME restaurant in Leeds has announced its sad closure after seven years. Credit: Instagram, @home_leeds
Elizabeth's full statement reads: "Dear friends and valued guests, I need to share some really sad news with you.
"After 7 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to close the doors of my beloved restaurant, HOME, on September 30th. This journey has been nothing short of amazing and I am filled with immense pride for everything we have accomplished as a team. Throughout the years, we have achieved so much, so it is with a profound sense of sadness that we find ourselves succumbing to the insurmountable economic pressures that have affected so many businesses.
"Because this outcome is not due to any fault of our own, we can hold our heads high. We have given our all and have no regrets.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have supported us along this journey. Your unwavering friendship and love for what we do have been the driving force behind our success. It has been an honour and a privilege to have entertained you over the years.
"To my exceptional staff, you are the heart and soul of HOME. Many of you have been with me since the beginning or for a significant part of this incredible journey, I know how much HOME means to you. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. I assure you that we will continue to work together on something new as soon as the right opportunity for us comes along.
"While this chapter may be coming to a close, I am filled with hope for what the future holds. I am confident that all of our paths will cross again and I look forward to sharing exciting news with all of you in due time. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for being a part of the HOME family. Your presence was essential and has made this the most enriching experience for me, and I am forever grateful.
"As we prepare to say goodbye, we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible moments and the never ending list of menus we have created and fed you with that have defined HOME. I look forward to seeing and welcoming you all over the coming weeks, I plan for us to go out with a bang!
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."
Daisy Jackson -
24th July 2024 
