News

Charming pub named one of UK’s best is just a 30-minute drive from Leeds

Halifax pub The Shibden Mill Inn was ranked highly at this year's Estrella Damn Gastropub awards.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 24th January 2023

The UK’s Top 50 gastropubs have just been revealed in a prestigious annual list published by Estrella Damn, and one is just a short drive away from Leeds.

Popular West Yorkshire boozer The Shibden Mill Inn ranked this year at number 14 on the list, jumping up 17 places from its 2022 ranking.

Popular for its food offering and nearby walks, you’ll find it nestled in the Shibden Valley near Halifax.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it makes the perfect day out – and there are even bedrooms upstairs if you want to stay the night.

In the restaurant, you’re treated to a range of menus spanning breakfast, lunch and Sunday roasts as well as their famed a la carte and tasting menus.

Image: The Shibden Mill Inn

The bar, meanwhile, is separate and boasts an extensive wine list as well as a wide-reaching range of drinks that include some lovely local ales, spirit mixers and classic cocktails.

The charming 17th-century gastropub is much-loved by regulars and critics alike and has garnered quite an impressive collection of accolades over the past few years - counting among its collection a 2AA Rosette, a mention in the Good Food Guide, and now a top 20 Estrella Damn Gastropub ranking.

Overall, the 2023 list was dominated by the south but there were a number of other northern pubs featured.

Notably, these include nearby Yorkshire pubs The Angel at Hetton, Skipton (no.6) The White Swan at Fence, Burnley (no. 7), Shibden Mill Inn (no.14), and recently-closed pub The Moorcock Inn at Norland.

Read more: DMA’s, Cavetown, The Hive, Crawlers and more join huge Live at Leeds line-up announcement

Image: The Shibden Mill Inn

In total, the list saw five new entrants for 2023.  The Baring in London, the highest new entrant, came in at number 23 whilst on the marshy coastline of Norfolk The White Horse, another new entrant, was voted number 34.

Other awards announced at the ceremony on Monday night were One to Watch – which was given to The Victoria Oxshott, in Surrey. The Oarsman in Marlow was awarded Newcomer of the Year. Brook House in Fulham won best Front of House Team, and Chef of the Year went to Tom De Keyser, head chef of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow.

Read more: Eat Leeds Restaurant Week returns with incredible meals out from £5 

Top 50 Gastropubs, Publisher, Chris Lowe said: “We are thrilled to see such a strong list of contenders this year, including five new entrants! The Top 50 Gastropubs provides a space for food and drink lovers the opportunity to explore the best that the UK has to offer. We are delighted to host this year’s event at The Unruly Pig, showcasing the vast amount of talent across the UK”

The Top 50 Gastropubs 2023 list is as follows:

1. Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland

2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge

3. Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell

4. The Sportsman, Seasalter

5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells

6. The Angel at Hetton, Hetton

7. The White Swan at Fence, Fence

8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow

9. The Fordwich Arms, Kent

10. The Red Lion and Sun, London

11. The Mariners, Rock

12. The Cornish Arms, Tavistock

13. The Harwood Arms, London

14. Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax

15. The Coach, Marlow

16. The Beehive, Great Waltham

17. The Cadeleigh Arms, Tiverton

18. The Pack Horse, Hayfield

19. Pyne Arms, Barnstaple

20. The Black Swan, Ravenstondale

21. The Moorcock Inn, Sowerby Bridge

22. The Guinea Grill, London

23. The Baring, London

24. The Masons Arms, Knowstone

25. Canton Arms, London

26. The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham

27. The Pipe and Glass, Beverley

28. The Longs Arms, South Wraxall

29. The Dog at Wingham, Canterbury

30. The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon

31. The Hardwick, Abergavenny

32. The Loch and The Tyne, Old Windsor

33. The Bull & Last, London

34. The White Horse, Brancaster

35. The Black Bull, Sedbergh

36. The Swan, Bampton

37. The Bell Inn, Langford

38. Scran and scallie, Edinburgh

39. The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton

40. The Duck Inn, Stanhoe

41. The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne

42. The Black Bear Inn, Usk - Wales

43. Heft, High Newton

44. The Broad Chare, Newcastle

45. Woods, Dulverton

46. The Gunton Arms, Norwich

47. The French House, London

48. The Eagle, Farringdon, London

Feature image - The Shibden Mill Inn

News

Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.

Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.

The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.

With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.

Image: Supplied

There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.

Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.

Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

Images: Supplied

Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.

"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."

Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.

Read more: Top Leeds independents are taking over the waterfront for a free festival this weekend

Featured image - Supplied




News

A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.

Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.

The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.

Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.

Image: Supplied

Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion
labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.

The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.

Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.

“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."

Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."

You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.

Read more: Top Leeds independents are taking over the waterfront for a free festival this weekend

Featured image - Supplied

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