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.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Georgina Pellant -
26th November 2021 
