Chunk Cookies has got to be one of our favourite success stories in Leeds.
From baking inside her student shared house to opening her very first bakery, the last few years have been a whirlwind for owner Amy Bennett- and there's really no stopping her now.
The new Chunk Cookies store has been a work-in-progress for the past few months, but today the doors finally open in Burley for the official opening.
Having completely transformed the site by hand, Chunk is a labour of love by both the owner and partner Diego, as well as the local community - with family, friends and even strangers from Instagram getting involved in the project.
And it's certainly paid off.
The beautiful store features the signature terracotta colour on the outer walls, whilst the inside is decorated in a serene cream, with wooden benches, complete with handmade notes, seasonal bunting and of course, a huge array of cookies and bakes to choose from.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Each cookie comes with the knowledge that you're not just supporting a small business, but one that's really working hard to be as sustainable as possible: being vegan is just one step of this.
The Chunk Cookies website explains that "running a vegan and sustainable business is not without its challenges! It can be difficult to balance sustainability with profitability- vegan and sustainable ingredients/packaging are usually more expensive, but we still need to keep our prices low so that people buy from us, AND make a tiny profit so we can stay open!"
"We try to balance affordability with sustainability, and aim to provide amazing cookies, that are great value and kind to the planet" and the bakery has taken steps like no same day deliveries; using EcoFlo to pack out boxes, reducing waste wherever possible and switching flour supply to Shipton Mill 100% organic British grown flour, this year to continue on its green mission.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Chunk Cookies has been three years in the making, and whilst the original recipe is still used today, there's a wide variety of flavours to choose from: Biscoff, Mince Pie, Birthday Cake - you name it, there's probably a cookie version of it.
Opening a cafe site also allows Amy to serve a host of hot drinks too. Oat milk comes as standard, naturally, but there are dairy options to add into your coffees and hot chocolates.
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this summer.
Ireland’s famous fast food phenomenon, the spice bag, has landed in Leeds Kirkgate Market
Clementine Hall
You can now grab the ultimate hangover cure at our very own Kirkgate Market.
And it comes from none other than The Fisherman's Wife - a Leeds institution that has been serving up fantastic fish and chips for over 60 years.
But now, they're turning their attention to spice bags.
If you have no idea what we're talking about then allow us to fill you in. And we'd recommend pouring yourself an ice cold glass of water, because it's about to get real salty up in here.
The spice bag is an Irish delicacy that is often devoured after a few Guinness on the streets of Dublin, for example.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It consists of shredded and battered chicken, chips, onions and peppers - all deep fried, loaded into a bag and tossed in lashings of salt and pepper seasoning.
Oh, and of course dipped or lathered in a sauce of your choosing. The classic being curry sauce, obviously.
It's been available in Leeds once before at a pop-up in Trinity Kitchen, but now The Fisherman's Wife is here to make them a permanent option for anyone with that salty craving.
You've got a couple of flavours to choose from too, including peri-peri, plain, salt & chilli and of course the classic salt & pepper.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can then add a drizzle of sriracha, curry sauce (obviously) or sticky honey if you're looking for that sweet and salty balance.
The best part? They're selling these for just £6.50.
So next time you've had a few too many the night before, get yourself to The Fisherman's Wife inside Leeds Kirkgate Market's food hall and get yourself a spice bag. You'll be cured in no time.
Sophie Smith -
15th December 2023 
