Just three miles out of Leeds City Centre, Meanwood has been building a reputation as an ever-evolving suburb.
Now home to foodie spots aplenty, the little Leeds community has been hailed for the second year running by The Telegraph as one of the UK's coolest neighbourhoods.
And it's not difficult to see why.
In the past two years alone, the high street has welcomed countless new bars and restaurants, and the old favourites that have stood the test of time have continued to receive praise from the likes of esteemed characters like Guardian Food Critic, Jay Rayner, amongst others.
Unlike neighbouring Headingley, it's far from an 'up-all-hours' suburb, and balances long evenings at the pub and coffee mornings with mates with its green spaces.
The Meanwood Valley Trail and Meanwood Park were particularly favoured by the national newspaper, as well as its access to local shops, bakeries and community feel.
Here's what The Telegraph had to say about Meanwood:
"Close to Headingley Stadium in northern Leeds, Meanwood is one of the city's most creative neighbourhoods and also one of its leafiest.
"It's northwest quarter is a gateway to the Meanwood Valley Trail, a seven-mile green artery that connects to a hopping little high street splashed with wall murals, painted telecoms boxes (the fruits of a community-driven arts project) and lined with some of the city's best neighbourhood bars."
Herencia by Nicko Lachica. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Telegraph recommends Terminus, Alfred, Meanwood Tavern and Marcel's - but we've put together a full guide of all the new spots that aren't to be missed on your next visit here.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
23rd April 2024 
