The student-favourite bakery is venturing into the world of fried chicken.
If you've walked past the old STA Travel building opposite the University of Leeds in Hyde Park, you might have noticed a few changes.
Does a giant chicken mural ring any bells?
Fried is the latest venture from much-loved Bakery 164, just a few doors down and its safe to say that this is almost guaranteed to be a huge success.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Even on an average Wednesday afternoon, Bakery 164 was over-pouring with visitors waiting for their orders, and that's not unusual for the deli.
Serving up sandwiches, focaccia and baked goods since 1994, a diet of comfort food from any 164 store is a must for any student frequenting in the Hyde Park area.
This will be the fourth opening from the brains and business behind the original 164 cafes and bakeries, but this is the first to have separate stand-alone branding and take on a completely new concept: fried chicken.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"I must be crazy, but I'm doing it and sticking with it", said the Fried staff today as they were making the final preparations to the takeaway store.
Never-seen-before-in-Leeds sauces is one of the promises that Fried aims to fulfil. Their chicken wings will be personalised to each individuals taste and visitors will get to choose the type of chicken wing (on-the-bone or boneless) before selecting a marinade and a dipping sauce.
The flavours range from garlic and parmesan to buffalo, chipotle and Korean BBQ- and can't wait to try them out.
Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find fried chicken burgers, chicken tenders, loaded chilli cheese fries and a range of soft drinks.
The have said owners have decided to keep the menu 'limited' for the time being to gauge interest before expanding, but there's still a good thirty or so different combinations to choose from, so you're guaranteed to find something to fuel your evening.
Opting for a soft opening, Fried will be available for all walk-in orders today and aim to be up and running on the likes of Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat before the evening is up- so even if you're not within walking distance you can taste the sauce-drenched wings and loaded fries from Fried.
You can find Fried on Woodhouse Lane, almost directly opposite the University of Leeds buildings.
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 -
2nd February 2022 
