Lishman's of Ilkley has received a prestigious national award in the Smithfield Star Awards.
Located just north of Leeds, celebrated butchers Lishman's of Ilkley, is officially one of the UK's top butchers- and now they have the award to prove it.
Announced at Butchers’ Hall in London last week, Lishman's of Ilkley became just one of twelve artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class.
The Ilkley butcher won the award for ‘Gluten-Free Sausage’ with its Cooking Chorizo in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.
Described by judges as ‘well-made’ and ‘a product they would buy’, the chorizo made with Yorkshire high welfare outdoor bred pork and handcrafted in-house, received top marks beating four other finalists to secure the top spot.
The Diamond Award was presented to David and Emma Lishman by much-loved restaurateur and Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett OBE.
The Ilkley butcher also made the final shortlist in the ‘From the Deli’ category with its Smoked Chicken Breast, the Bacon category and Steak category with all three products receiving coveted three-star status – the highest possible rating from the guild.
Emma Lishman of Lishman’s of Ilkley said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won this award. Our gluten-free cooking chorizo is a product we’re really proud of.
"It took five years to develop and is made with the highest welfare pork from local farmers – it’s definitely a great local alternative to the traditional Spanish varieties!”
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burgers, Gluten-Free Product, Best Bacon, BBQ Product and Black Pudding- a tasty lot of awards if we've ever heard some.
Products are evaluated using a one, two and three star rating system by a panel of independent industry judges, with all three star products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award.
Established in 1986, Lishman’s of Ilkley went onto launch their now nationally-renowned charcuterie arm in 2010- and this is what really separates the local business from the rest.
Last month, following an extensive refurbishment, the store reopened complete with a standalone charcuterie display section and a butchers’ display window featuring a Himalayan salt wall containing bricks that create the perfect environment for dry-ageing beef and maximising its flavour.
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Eats
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
The Hoot -
15th April 2022 
