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
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
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 August.
The Hoot -
15th April 2022 
