Wakefield get ready, because you can your hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich on Monday 7 October from 11am...and you don't even have to leave your car.
The wait is finally over, as the all-new American fried chicken restaurant will be opening its doors in just a week's time.
Located at Snowhill Retail Park, this new location marks the brand’s 19th opening in 2024, and that's only the beginning as the viral chain continues to take the UK by storm.
Popeyes® is gearing up to pull out all the stops to showcase its Southern hospitality as it brings a taste of Louisiana to West Yorkshire.
Images: The Manc Eats
Famous for their ‘shatter crunch’ coating and staple items like Southern biscuits and gravy as well as the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich (genuinely lives up to the hype), they’ve also made waves when it comes to breakfast with a very solid early morning menu. The Cajun Hash Browns alone are immense.
And the best part? You can even get your hands on a free sandwich ahead of the launch by head signing up via the Popeyes® UK website.
But if one isn't enough, on opening day from 11am the first 3 people queuing both on foot and in cars will win free Chicken Sandwiches for a whole year.
Image: The Manc Eats
Additionally, the first 100 customers will be rewarded with a free Chicken Sandwich, plus exclusive Popeyes® UK merchandise. To win, customers need to be one of the first 50 pedestrians in the queue, or one of the first 50 vehicles in the Drive Thru lane.
So we recommend getting down there as early as possible so you can bag yourself some freebies.
The new location will include 75 seats indoors and 16 outside, with a car park for customers who would like to dine inside the restaurant.
Image: Supplied
There will also be a Drive Thru lane, plus specifically designated ‘Park & Serve’ bays, allowing customers to order and be served by the team from the comfort of their vehicle. How class is that?
Tom Crowley, Popeyes® UK Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Following the success of our existing Popeyes® sites across Yorkshire, we’re really looking forward to opening our newest restaurant at Snowhill Retail Park. This will mark our fourth restaurant in the region, and we’re ready to bring a taste of New Orleans to Wakefield.”
Popeyes® UK have also announced the launch of a second new Drive-Thru location in Gildersome (they're really treating us), with opening plans to be revealed very soon.
To find out more about Popeyes® Wakefield & Gildersome, visit the website here.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Clementine Hall -
30th September 2024 
