Voted for by kebab lovers nationwide, Leeds' one and only Sqew has taken the coveted prize.
Following over 160,000 votes being cast, Deliveroo has revealed the winners of its 2025 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the best and most loved local restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
Leeds came up trumps taking home four prizes, but although we may be a little bit biased - there's one which we're particularly happy about.
Winning a completely new category titled the ‘Luke Littler x Deliveroo Best Kebab Award’, Sqew took home the trophy for its incredible and authentic shawarma.
Fronted by the UK darts champion himself, which saw a shortlist of ten Littler-approved restaurants go head to head in a public vote to crown the nation’s best kebab spot, Sqew Shawarma Bar secured he title after gaining backing from local fans in just two weeks.
To be honest, we can't say we're surprised.
Day in, day out you'll see queues of hungry punters lining up outside Sqew leading them to actually sell out of shawarma - why? Because it's absolutely class.
Mitch Renshaw, Owner of Sqew Shawarma Bar, commented on the win: “To win the first-ever Luke Littler x Deliveroo Kebab Award is unbelievable! We’re still pinching ourselves. To know that so many of our loyal Lioners have voted for us to win means so much, especially after being personally approved by Luke Littler himself.
"It is an incredible feeling and a real testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team who make and serve our freshly made Kebabs to the local community with love, every day. This golden shish trophy will take pride of place in our shop – it’s a massive honour!”
Jimi Famurewa, food critic and Deliveroo restaurant awards judge, said: “It’s an honour to be a returning judge for Deliveroo’s UK & Ireland restaurant awards, and I was blown away by the passion and talent on display at the Independent Restaurant of the Year cook-off."
Congratulations Sqew, this award is absolutely deserved and we'll see you soon for an award-winning kebab.
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.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Clementine Hall -
28th May 2025 
