Yorkshire is top tier when it comes to sourcing proper, locally-grown produce - and there are some great farmers markets to discover in and around Leeds.
To help you get your hands on the very tastiest local fruit, veg, cheese, and more, we've put together a handful of our absolute favourite markets - but trust us when we say that around Leeds we're absolutely spoilt for choice.
For those who want to get their locally sourced shop on, we've pulled a selection of indoor and outdoor markets for you to explore below.
Taking place every second Saturday of the month, Headingley Farmers' Market is ethically driven, promising its customers to always provide good quality food direct from local producers - mostly from within a radius of 30 miles, with the exception of the Whitby fish.
On an average weekend, you'll find over 20 food stalls here selling everything from bread and cakes, to dairy and cheese, meat, fish, eggs, preserves and plants; plus specialist traders with olives, Yorkshire pies, chocolate, Italian and Indian ingredients, and fresh coffee beans. There's also another market nearby that offers live music.
Where: Rose Garden North Lane Headingley LS6 3JJ
Otley has a long history of markets, with the first cattle market recorded as taking place here in 1222 / Image: Jomar Esssentials
Otley Farmers' Market
Held on the last Sunday of the month, here at Otley Market Place you'll find a load of fresh and organic produce, direct from the producer and sourced as locally as possible. From stalls selling interesting different varieties of garlic, to some great gluten-free finds, the market in Otley is highly rated.
Head down to discover a whole host of locally-made bread, jams and honey preserves, fresh eggs, plants and herbs, pies, pork, bacon and beef products, fish, confectionery, local cheeses, handmade chocolates, ostrich meat, mushrooms, fruit, and vegetables, as well as beers from some of Leeds' local breweries.
Where: 32-34 Market Pl, Otley LS21 3AQ
Leeds Bread Co-Op is a regular stall holder at Oakwood Farmers' Market, held on the third Saturday of the month / Image: Leeds Bread Co-Op
Oakwood Farmers' Market
Taking place on the third Saturday of the month at the Oakwood Clock, this market runs from 9 am to 12.30 pm - so you'll want to get there early to get the best stuff.
Regular stalls here feature local organic vegetables, eggs, rapeseed oil, beef, organic meat, pies, bacon, bread, apple juice, soup, plants, cheese, Italian and local delicatessen savouries and sweet treats.
Where: Oakwood Clock, North Leeds.LS8 1SD
Farsley's farmers' market has a whole host of local stall holders on hand every last Saturday of the month / Image: The Yorkshire Chocolatier
Farsley Farmers' Market
Taking place on the fourth Saturday of the month between 10 am and 1 pm, here you'll find a quality range of handcrafted gifts and a market kitchen alongside a solid selection of local producers.
Regular stall holders include Cabbage Patch Bakery, Woods Brownie Co, Beantastic coffee trader, Sian's India Express, the Yorkshire Chocolatier, the Yorkshire Pie Bakery, Calverley Beekeepers, Country Cheese Store and more.
Where: St Johns Hall and Grounds, New Street, off Farsley Town Street,, Leeds, LS28 5DJ
This much loved breakfast spot do one thing and one thing very well...egg sandwiches.
And it may be a familiar name to some of you lot, as Egg & Co recently opened up on bustling Deansgate in Manchester as well as inside Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield.
This will be their first site in Leeds, though, and we're very 'eggsited' about it...sorry.
If you've got been introduced to the wonders of Egg & Co yet, then allow us to fill you in on what to expect.
Images: The Manc Group
From here, you’ll be able to grab their unbeatable breakfast sandwiches, where soft scrambled egg is piled into warm brioche buns.
There are a dozen or so breakfast butties on the menu here (yes, they do all feature egg), with other fillings ranging from beef patties to turkey bacon to caramelised onion.
And there’s more – sides here include truffle hash browns, curly fries, and chicken bites.
Of course it wouldn't be a breakfast spot without some caffeinated beverages as well, so we predict as with their Manchester site you'll be able to grab your morning coffee and matcha as well as freshly squeezed orange juice fresh enough to cure any hangover.
We don't know of the exact location yet, but we do know it'll be in Leeds city centre.
Images: The Manc Group
Teasing the news on their Instagram, Egg & Co said: "LEEDS, WE’RE ON OUR WAY. You heard it right. Eggandco is heading to Leeds!
"Same eggs. Same fresh sandwiches. Same Eggandco experience. Just a new city to call home."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, supporters flocked to the comments to show their excitement and demanding an extra clue on the exact location.
Egg & Co are keeping this under wraps for now, but we'll keep you updated as and when we know more.
Giggling Squid has launched a brand-new Leeds exclusive menu – and they threw a huge party to celebrate
Clementine Hall
Thai favourite Giggling Squid launched a brand-new menu exclusive to the city- and celebrated with a huge party.
Known for its beautiful colourful interiors, tropical-inspired decor and a menu packed with fragrant Thai favourites, Giggling Squid is bringing a proper little taste of Thailand to Leeds.
And the best part? They've now brought a city-exclusive set menu for us to get stuck into.
Priced at just £31.95 per person for two courses and a drink, or £37.95 per person for three courses and a drink, the new menu is all about getting stuck into a proper feast in true Thai fashion.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Things kick off with a choice of appetisers for the table, including prawn crackers or chilli chickpeas, the perfect way to settle into your meal.
Starters then include spicy popcorn chicken, prawn and squid lettuce cups, vegetable spring rolls and salt and pepper squid - so there's plenty of options whether you're after something fresh, crispy or with a bit of a kick.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For mains, you can opt Thai green curry served with jasmine rice, cashew stir fry and spicy crispy pork belly.
Or, if you're a noodle lover, get slurping the yellow tamarind duck noodles or keep it classic with a pad Thai stuffed to the brim with your choice of chicken, prawn or vegetable.
And, of course, no Thai feast would be complete without something sweet to finish.
Dessert options include apple pie spring rolls, coconut pudding with mango lime sauce and Mother-in-Law's chocolate mousse.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Drinks wise you can choose any soft drink, small beer or a glass of house wine and that's all included in the brilliant price, how good is that?
To celebrate the menu, The Giggling Squid hosted a launch that transported diners to the bustling streets of Bangkok on Park Row.
We're talking free canapés, cocktails, giveaways, a DJ set from Leeds' very own DJ Dman and of course, a goodie bag for guests to take home with them.
The set menu is available until 8 November, Monday - Sunday from 4pm until close.
Sound up your street? You can book in for the all-new set menu at Giggling Squid Leeds here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
