A little sandwich shop in the village-like suburb of Chapel Allerton has been crowned the best in the North.
Known for its specially-cured bacon and superb menu of cakes and hot drinks, The Country Crust Sandwich Shop took home the title of 'sandwich shop of the year' at the 2021 North West Prestige Award.
The cafe was bought by husband and wife team Michelle and Jason Burns seven years ago on a whim. The pair stumbled across an advertisement showing it for sale on Facebook after a few glasses of wine, and history was made.
The pair both built their careers in the corporate world, with Jason previously working for a big gourmet baking company based in Hull.
Initially run by Jason and their daughter, today it is a fully-fledged family affair with Michelle leaving her day job to join the team three years prior.
They pride themselves on supporting local businesses, sourcing nearly 90% of their stock from neighbouring suppliers.
But there's one product in particular that keeps drawing the customers in - and that's their specially cured bacon.
Country Crust are the only place in Leeds to sell it, acquiring it specially from some friends in Scunthorpe.
As well as some top-notch sarnies, the Country Crust cafe also sells baked potatoes, salad boxes and loads of Lincolnshire sausages alongside a range of hot and cold drinks.
The couple, who were nominated anonymously, collected their award from the Blackwell Grange Hotel in Darlington last week and are absolutely thrilled with the news.
Feature image - The Country Crust Sandwich Shop
Eats
Award-wining Leeds sandwich shop Silver’s Deli to open neighbourhood bakehouse
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Georgina Pellant -
4th May 2021 
