It's official, the UK’s best cocktail bars have been revealed and two of them are right here in Leeds.
We already knew that we had some great cocktail bars, but now it’s been made official – with two Leeds watering holes appearing on next year's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.
We'll absolutely take that.
The prestigious list hasn't yet given us the official ranking, that'll come in February, but we do know which 50 bars are in the running with an A-Z list.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tabula Rasa and Below Stairs have both been included, and it comes as no surprise as both bars are known by locals and tourists alike for serving up innovative and exquisite tipples.
The rankings will be revealed on 11 February 2025 over in London, and we'll be tuned in to hear what number ranking both bars have been given.
Further afield, Public and the Pearl at Par Hill over in Sheffield have been included as well as Schofield's Bar, Stray and Speak in Code in Manchester.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars was first launched in 2018 and showcases the very best in the business, voted for by an academy of industry experts.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Ed Bedington, editor of the Morning Advertiser, which organises the Top 50 Cocktail Bars, said: “We’re delighted to be revealing who’s made the cut for this year’s list. This is always a hotly contested accolade, and there are some amazing bars that make up the best of the best.
“We look forward to revealing where they’ve all placed, and who are winners are for the other categories. The cocktail bar sector is a vibrant space and one that really showcases innovation in the hospitality space. It’s a real honour for us to be able to shine a spotlight on some of the best in the business.”
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 -
9th December 2024 
