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.
Senior councillors will next week be asked to approve a five-year strategy designed to guide Leeds Kirkgate Market successfully.
The council’s previous strategy for the historic market covered the period 2021 to 2026 and helped deliver impressive results, including increased footfall, a diverse and vibrant range of new businesses and a multi-million pound refurbishment of the site’s historic ‘blockshops' area.
Plans have now been revealed that aim to maintain the beloved site and keep it on its currant upwards trajectory between 2026 and 2031.
The plan sets out a vision for the market’s continued success as an inclusive, attractive and sustainable place where independent retailers can thrive.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Key points to achieve this include:
The construction – subject to planning approval – of STACK Leeds, a ‘container-style’ food, drink and entertainment attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area;
The development, subject to final approval once full costings have been secured and assessed, of a hotel and council-run public gym on the George Street side of the market;
The continuation and enhancement of the market’s free events programme for children and families, which has become an important driver of footfall – particularly during school holidays – and underlines its proud reputation as a place that caters for the Leeds community as a whole;
Committing appropriate funds to the upkeep and maintenance of the Grade I listed market building;
Widening the digital ‘reach’ of the market by further growing its already-strong following across various social media platforms while also helping traders raise their own online profiles.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a hugely important part of local life and it’s a real source of pride that we, as a council, have been able to support it so strongly over the last five years through a mix of investment and innovative thinking.
“Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence. We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.
“My thanks to everyone at the market who took part in the consultation activity, it has played a vital role in the development of the strategy. Your support – and indeed the hard work and dedication that we see from traders and staff week in, week out – will help us ensure that Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to go from strength to strength.”
A huge bowling alley and games bar is coming to Trinity Leeds
Daisy Jackson
Lane7, a bowling and gaming bar, is opening a massive new venue in the heart of Leeds city centre.
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
There'll also be retro arcade games to make it a vibrant destination for your next night out.
Signs have already gone up at Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, ahead of Lane7's arrival into the city centre.
It's set to take over the huge site that was formerly home to Wilko.
Gavin Hughes, managing director at Lane7, said: "It's no secret that we've been itching to bring Lane7 to Leeds for some time, and we're thrilled to have found a venue in Trinity Leeds that we know our guests will love.
"Everyone knows Leeds is one of the UK's great nights out, and Lane7 is a venue where you can have all your best nights in one. It's the perfect match. We can't wait to get the doors open."
Lane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: SuppliedLane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: Supplied
Steven Foster, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: "The arrival of Lane7 this spring marks a fantastic addition to Trinity Leeds and represents exactly the kind of dynamic, experience-led brand we are proud to offer our visitors.
"Its unique entertainment concept brings an exciting new dimension to our leisure offering, enhancing the experiences available at the centre.
"This announcement follows a wave of big names set to open at Trinity Leeds, including Footasylum, schuh and Freight Island, alongside LEGO’s upsized store, highlighting our continued success in evolving and strengthening the centre’s overall offering.
"Welcoming Lane7’s to Leeds reinforces our position as a leading destination for innovative, social and experiential brands, and we’re confident it will be a huge hit with our visitors."
Georgina Pellant -
26th November 2021 
