Leeds MasterChef quarter-finalist Jo Mills has revealed plans to open a festive pop-up restaurant alongside fellow West Yorkshire contestant Chris Hale this Christmas.
Opening inside the Tipi Lounge at the Cedar Court Hotel across two weekends in December, diners can look forward to special festive fusion tapas, afternoon teas, and bottomless brunches throughout the pop-up's ten-day run.
The purpose-built Tipi sits in the grounds of the grand hotel and is fully heated, and boasts a roaring open fire as well as plenty of cosy blankets - so there's no chance of you getting chilly.
Whilst the pair did not compete in the same series, they connected through a Facebook group for former Masterchef contestants.
Chris Hale, who appeared on the show in 2016, already has a successful catering business where he runs pop-up restaurants. Jo, a former Biology teacher from Garforth, is keen to learn from his experience, saying "working together has been a lot of fun."
2021 Leeds contestant Jo Mills has been building her own food business, having reached the quarter-finals in this year's show / Image: Mrs Mills Cooks MasterChef 2021
2021 contestant Jo has also been building her own food business, having reached the same stage in the competition as Chris - with both making it to the quarter-finals.
The mum of two retired early from teaching around three years ago, before taking the plunge onto MasterChef this year.
A self-taught chef who has always been passionate about food, during the lockdown she dedicated a lot of her time to improving her skills in the kitchen - and now she's moving on to her next chapter.
Drinks-wise, the hotel has partnered with a host of local distilleries and microbreweries to offer a 'taste of Yorkshire in a glass' inside the Christmas tipi.
Think plenty of gin and locally-brewed beer for that authentic Yorkshire experience, accompanied by a selection of festive small plates, tiny cakes, sandwiches, and brunches - depending on when you pay them a visit.
Running from 9 to 19 December, afternoon tea will be served from Monday to Wednesday; festive fusion tapas from 2pm to 10pm Thursday to Saturday, and bottomless brunch on Sunday.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
26th November 2021 
