A Hollywood great has been seen dining at UYARE, the luxury rooftop restaurant in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Mads Mikkelsen, who has starred in roles such as Hannibal as well as portraying arguably the best James Bond villain yet in Casino Royale, visited the new Leeds spot over the weekend.
It wasn't just Mikkelsen bringing a taste of Hollywood to the restaurant, either.
He was visiting UYARE with Oscar-winning editor Lee Smith, who edited Dunkirk and Inception, and producer Pascal Degove.
The trio visited the South Indian restaurant and bar to discuss their upcoming project, Sirius, a new Arctic action-thriller that will be Smith's directional debut.
Mads was seen posing for photos with staff, and personally thanked Chef Ajith Kumar and Chef Francis.
Mads Mikkelsen and his crew feasted on a spread of fiery starters like masala fried cauliflower, crispy fried fish, and punchy Kanthari chicken.
Then he tucked into Pothu Koonu Masala - a buffalo curry - Kunjaadu curry, and a king prawn Chemmeen roast for mains, with Kerela parathas and carrot coconut rice.
UYARE is the beautiful new rooftop restaurant from the team behind Tharavadu, taking over the sky-high former Issoh site at Victoria Gate.
The team have a knack for attracting some serious star power, with visits from Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, and the entire Indian cricket team across at Tharavadu.
But Mads Mikkelsen is the biggest name to grace the new rooftop restaurant.
The UYARE team said: "Our staff aren’t new to high-profile guests. After all, our sister restaurant, Tharavadu, has seen the likes of Simon Pegg, Rebel Wilson, Virat Kohli, and the entire Indian Cricket Team over the past 11 years.
"We’re proud to bring that same hospitality and excellence to UYARE."
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2025 
