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
After being 'missing' for decades, a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to air on the BBC this month.
In what is already gearing up to be a memorable moment, the episode - which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16 September 1968, and was thought to have been lost forever before being recovered - will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer in a couple of weeks time to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100 years old.
The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! - which is a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts.
It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional, before being returned to the BBC.
Audiences tuning in to the episode can expect to see sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills - with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer.
📢 ‘Missing’ episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is coming to the BBC!
A long-lost episode first broadcast in 1968 will be shown on BBC Four and @BBCiPlayer on Thursday 14 May, to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100
It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
This 'lost' programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, has described the recovery of the episode as 'a lovely surprise', adding: "I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years."
Gary Morecambe, Eric's son, added: "I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12."
This long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm on on Thursday 14 May, and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from then.
Featured Image - BBC | Film is Fabulous!
News
The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
Clementine Hall
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.