Eats

Bundobust has released a limited-edition sandwich menu packed with vegan specials

With a sandwich, side and drink for under a tenner on offer...

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 5th January 2024

Meal deals never looked so good.

Vegetarian and vegan restaurant Bundobust has been championing the fine flavours of Indian street food for 10 years now, and every few months seems to have a new specials that'll have even the most committed meat lovers swapping for plant-based options.

The Bombay Sandwich is back for 2024 and is the perfect stand-out dish to welcome the new year of office meal deals with. Think double-decker grilled sarnie with crispy potato pakoras, melty vegan cheddar, chutneys and salad before being seasoned in sandwich massala and chutneys top and bottom.

Make sure to add a side of Sambhar Soup to this one for dipping: it's the perfect winter warmer combo. The hot and sour soup is an OG Bundobust dish made with aubergines, lentils and gourd - and has a wonderful warming aftertaste.

bombay sandwich held in the air outside a Bundobust sign.
Bombay Sandwich. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
a sandwich held in the air and a wrap on a plate.
Bombay Sandwich and Chaap Kathi Roll. / Image: The Hoot Leeds

New for 2024 is that Chaap Kathi Roll: green masala marinated in chaap kebab, massala slaw and a sweet, spicy apple ketchup all wrapped within a homemade turmuric and cumin roomali roti. The soy-based meat substitute is perfect for those meat eaters that are struggling to parts way with meat-like textures during Veganuary, and we've heard it's proving a really popular option in India at present for this very reason.

The Bundobust classics Bhaji Butty (giant onion bhaji in a butty) and a vegan Vada Pav (which in simple terms can an only be incredible potato-based ball of goodness) are back on the menu too with the option to add into a meal deal.

The four sandwiches can be served with a side and soft drink, including some new Indian drinks like Thums Up and Limca) for £9.95 or upgrade to a pint of Python from Bundobust's own brewery for £12.95.

vada pav and bhaji butty held together.
Bhaji Butty and Vegan Vada Pav / Image: The Hoot Leeds
bhaji butty with desi crisps.
Bhaji Butty, Gunpowder Idli and Desi Crisps / Image: The Hoot Leeds

Additional sides include the addictive Gunpowder Idli: deep-fried fluffy steamed lentil dumplings in a seriously addictive umami seasoning; as well as Desi crisps: the ultimate party mix that'll put your supermarket meal deal to shame.

Available from Thursday 4 January - Sunday 11 February 2023, make sure to head over to Mill Hill for your new year Bundo fix - and if you spot us, come say hello! It's safe to say we'll be eating here a lot over our lunchtimes to make the most of the six week offer.

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Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Everything you need to know about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just a weeks time, and we've got everything you need to know.

This year, the markets are looking a little bit different than before as outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi have stepped up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular.

They're organising a market where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.

Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.

So, let's get into it...

Opening dates and timings

The Leeds Christmas Markets will kick off from Thursday 19 November and run until Wednesday 23 December. So that's almost five weeks of festivities flooding the city, and plenty of time for you to make the most of it.

The markets will be open 7 days a week, the exact timings are:

Trader Village & Leeds Street Food

Sunday-Wednesday: 10:30am-7pm

Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am-8pm

THOR’S Highland Lodge & Folié Ski Bar

Sunday-Tuesday: 11am-9pm

Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-11pm

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Locations

The main stalls and street food will be located at City Square, here you will also find the main Christmas tree and two THOR's bars.

Ice Cube at Millennium Square will also be making a return, here you'll find rides, an ice rink and more food and drink. This is separate to what is being run by THOR's this year, though.

There will be plenty of other festive activities taking place throughout the city throughout November and December, you can find out more and view the Leeds Christmas map here.

Food

Okay, now we can get onto the good stuff.

We all know that the highlight of the markets is the food, and this year there's going to be more independent and local trader than ever before.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

From Leeds' very own Italian street food restaurant Stuzzi to homemade mini tiramisu drawers, you're going to want to arrive feeling very peckish at these markets that's for sure.

The current full list of street food vendors at City Square is as follows:

  • Cut & Craft (steak and chips)
  • Beth Bakes Cakes (hot chocolate fudge cake)
  • Misu Tiramisu (mini tiramisu drawers)
  • Crumble pots (crumble)
  • La Grassa (Italian-American sandwiches)
  • Chocolate Circus (stacked hot chocolates)
  • Stuzzi (Italian street food)
  • Street Kings Bratwurst (traditional bratwurst)
  • Johnsons' Toffee (homemade toffee and fudge)
  • The Savvy Baker (sweet treats and hot cookie dough)
  • Irish spice bags
  • Churros

Drink

Closely following behind food, a good old tipple is what many of us venture to the markets for.

This year, alongside a few mulled wine stalls in city square, THOR's will be doing what they do best and opening two brand-new outdoor bars to really get you in the spirit.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

You can pick from a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar, both designed to welcome large groups with their own themed drinks and cosy interiors. You can read more about these bars here.

Not only that, but they'll be a specialist coffee trader as well as a matcha trader if you don't fancy anything alcoholic.

Shopping

The Leeds Christmas Markets isn't just about eating and drinking, it's also about browsing and shopping for those last minute Christmas gifts or gorgeous knick-knacks to decorate your home with over the festive season.

Here's your list of traders to buy gifts from at City Square:

  • Stump Cross (natural crystal jewellery, fossils and more)
  • House of the Trembling Madness (festive craft beer cans)
  • Real Markets Yorkshire (lots of goodies made in Yorkshire)
  • Yorkshire Print Company (Yorkshire-inspired artwork)
  • Paper Starlights (handmade paper lanterns)
  • Scents of Christmas (handcrafted decorations)
  • Kakuwi (homemade crafts sourced across India and Nepal)
  • Beauty Scents (handmade candles and wax melts)
  • Mervyn Tay Art (hand-painted sheep art)
  • Pop-up Print Co (personalised Christmas clothing)
  • O'Donnell Moonshine (homemade liqeurs)
  • Magees Bespoke Woodwork (handcrafted wooden homeware)
  • Storymaker Mead (homemade mead)
  • Fun Hats (winter accessories)
  • Artisanal Cheeses
  • Pure Pet Food
  • Mukta Ornaments (handcrafted silver ornaments)
  • Duckdown Gifts (handcrafted wooden gifts)
  • Solid Cologne
  • Tatova Hata (souvenirs made by Ukrainian artists)
  • Gab's Wonderland (independent jewellery)
  • The Yorkshire Candle Company
  • Forged Spirits (Yorkshire-brewed spirits)
  • Nordvek (sheepskin and leather goods)
  • Socktopus (socks)
  • Shea Alchemy (skincare)

Weekly Events

If you're after a bit of live entertainment, then you've got it at this year's markets in abundance.

Bibi's Takeover

Every Thursday from 5-7pm, Bibi's will be bringing live music to the lodge.

Green Room Takeover

On Fridays and Saturdays, from 7-9pm, Green Room will be heading to the Highland Lodge for live music.

Market-wide Live Performance

Every Sunday between 1-5pm, live music will be the soundtrack to your shopping, feasting and festivities.

You can find out even more information about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 here via their website.

Read more: Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

The charming French bistro that’s been a Leeds favourite for over 30 years

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991. 

You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.

But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.

Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.

We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.

And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.

Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.

As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?

More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.

This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years. 

You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.

Read more: Leeds bistro earns praise from renowned food critic Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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