The London-born pizzeria is expanding, and Leeds is lucky enough to be its next stop.
Pizza Pilgrims looks like it's going to be a big hit.
And yes, the only evidence we have for this is Instagram. These pizzas look seriously exciting.
Think fluffy 'bready' bases, slightly charred for that authentic Neapolitan taste, dusted off with fresh tomato marinara sauce and mozzarella - each paired with a different combination of toppings.
Bottomless pizza brunch, quiz nights and DIY pizzas have all been big hits at other Pizza Pilgrim sites. / Image: Pizza Pilgrims via Instagram
Naturally a new Leeds opening wouldn't be complete without a bottomless option and (fingers crossed) Pizza Pilgrims is set to deliver just that.
The 'To Infinity (Pizzas) And Beyond' brunch gives you the option to taste test unlimited pizzas, with Prosecco and pints to wash it all down with in a ninety minute setting.
Whilst there's no opening date announced just yet, Pizza Pilgrims has confirmed it will be opening on Boar Lane in Leeds City Centre, with signs going up earlier this week inside the former Beer Hawk site, advertising free pizzas 'and other goodies'.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The new opening certainly won't be a replacement for the beloved Pizza Fella, a local indie that closed its doors in June, one review online hints that it could be the closest thing we can find as a replacement.
Steven from Leeds said on TripAdvisor: "Pizza Pilgrims Hit Leeds - Pizza Fella is an echo of the legendary Soho haunt and so pleased it's in Leeds. Perfectly short menu of the kind you find in Napoli, first class drinks selection and friendly, casual service. Pizza lovers sometimes forget pizza is all about the dough and not the size or toppings. The dough here is just great. Simple fast food at working class prices in a pleasant off-pitch buzzy environment. Highly recommended."
So it's safe to say we have high hopes for this place (still miss you though Pizza Fella!)
Gluten free pizzas will be available. / Image: Pizza Pilgrims via Instagram
Whether you're a student or not, Bakery 164 is a Leeds staple.
And you really can't miss it either.
Standing proudly opposite the Parkinson Steps on the corner of Woodhouse Lane, their bright yellow and red canopy lures you in if the inviting smell of fresh bread hasn't already.
They've been serving the students of Leeds since 1994, and are known for their specialist sandwiches that won't break the bank.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On a lunchtime you'll have to join the queue of hungry students looking to get their fix, but it's well worth the wait.
The bread is what they do best, every evening they hand mix and hand shape their ciabatta and focaccia dough, which is then baked overnight so it’s fresh out of the ovens in the morning.
Then come the fillings, at Bakery 164 they specialise in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, using seasonal ingredients and local produce wherever possible.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Signature sandwiches include grilled chicken, halloumi and bacon with chilli mayo, prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto and sun-dried tomato as well as meatballs and mozzarella with Reggae Reggae sauce.
A price for a sandwich comes in at around a fiver, and they easily wipe the floor with any meal deal sarnie you can grab from a supermarket round the corner.
Just choose your sandwich, take it to the till and they'll warm it up for you there and then at no extra cost.
And it's not just sandwiches, they've also got fresh coffee on offer to keep you going between lectures as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats.
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Sophie Smith -
20th September 2023 
