North Star Coffee have only gone and done it again.
Yes we're basic. Yes we love brunch. Are we going to apologise for it? No.
There's just something special about strutting out the door on a Saturday morning and recklessly combining two meals into one that gets us feeling absolutely crazy.
So you can only imagine how feral we felt when everyone's favourite brunch spot, North Star Coffee Shop, announced a new menu.
Spoiler alert, it was mayhem.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
North Star is Leeds institution at this point, if you're a fan of coffee then you know that whatever these guys touch turns into gold.
And this menu is no exception.
The crispy duck pancake with sticky plum hoisin sauce was a standout dish, topped with a runny fried egg that was cooked to utter perfection.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The pimped up beans on toast with crispy bacon and Calabrian chilli made Heinz beans look inedible, and of course the house pancakes which we urge you to order as dessert were deliciously decadent.
And if that wasn't enough, the North Star Brunch Fries sprinkled with their signature stardust seasoning were probably some of the best potatoes we've had the pleasure of eating. That seasoning must be laced with something.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Obviously you're not going to North Star without having a beverage or two, and their fresh juices are perfect for blowing away the cobwebs whilst their coffee is always exceptional. But you already knew that.
The staff are uber friendly, the space is light and airy and the vibes are just immaculate. You'll be set up for the day good and proper in no time.
So whatever plans you have this weekend, scrap them and get yourself down to The Docks to sample this new menu. We'll probably see you there.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
25th October 2024 
