A little sandwich shop in Leeds has been crowned the 'best in the north' for the second year running.
Country Crust in Chapel Allerton received the award for 'Sandwich shop of the year' at the 2021/22 Prestige Awards - taking home a certificate noting them as '2 x' winners.
Known across Leeds for its specially-cured bacon and superb menu of cakes and hot drinks, the cute little cafe was bought by husband and wife team Michelle and Jason Burns on a whim seven years ago - and it's proven a great investment, not just for the couple but for the local community, too.
The pair both built their careers in the corporate world, with Jason previously working for a big gourmet baking company based in Hull. However, after a few glasses of wine, they discovered the Facebook listing for the cafe and decided to go for it.
History, as they say, was made.
Initially run by Jason and their daughter, today it is a fully-fledged family affair with Michelle leaving her day job to join the team three years prior.
They pride themselves on supporting local businesses, sourcing nearly 90% of their stock from neighbouring suppliers.
Still, there’s one product, in particular, that keeps pulling people back in – and that’s their specially cured bacon. Acquired specially from some friends in Scunthorpe, Country Crust is the only place to sell it;
Image: Country Crust
The cafe also sells baked potatoes, salad boxes and loads of Lincolnshire sausages alongside a range of hot and cold drinks and top-notch sarnies.
Nominated anonymously, Michelle and Jason collected their second award this week and are "absolutely thrilled" to have scooped the gong not once now but twice.
After sharing the news to their business Facebook page, followers were quick to congratulate them, with one saying: "15+ years since this was my local buttie shop, but whenever I’m in the area or passing I’ll call for a sarnie "
Another added: "Love this place! X excellent food great staff. Well done to everyone."
Feature image - Country Crust
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‘Ugly, run-down’ and ‘untidy’ – Leeds named UK’s tenth best big city
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 -
21st September 2021 
