Food critic Jay Rayner headed to Leeds for his latest restaurant review for The Financial Times, with his sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Since opening last year, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin recently awarded them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time til national critic Jay Rayner popped his head in, and his latest review in The Financial Times is nothing short of glowing.
The review praises the food as 'big, fat French classics, executed with vigour and a kind of precision that is so carefully disguised it just looks like the application of seriously good taste'.
Rayner showers head chef Sandy Jarvis in compliments and rightly so: "He approaches everything with finely calibrated largesse".
"It is all delightful; a glowing, middle-class Parisian Bistro Paul Bert fantasy of French bourgeois life made real, to be lubricated by the country's more idiosyncratic wines".
Very high praise indeed.
Aside from the food, the review touches on Bavette's excellent service and atmosphere: "Service is charming, because effortless charm is the currency here. In July, the Good Food Guide will announce the winners of its latest local restaurant awards, to be measured against the national standard by Bavette.
"Not that the diners here, leaning in over their plates, elbows on the table, seem to care. They're just enjoying the special occasion of everyday."
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
If you haven't visited Bavette yet, then book your table 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.
Clementine Hall -
2nd June 2025 
