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.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
28th May 2025 
