Given the scorching weather this week, we're on the lookout for some foodie options to temporarily relieve the heat- and we've found some seriously cool options.
Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato is a true hidden gem, described by TripAdvisor users as "the best gelato"- and that includes tourists of Rome, Bologna, Pisa, Florence and Paris.
There's plenty of flavours to choose from. / Image: Roberto Gelato
Best of all, there's no need to travel to the motherland, or even the Yorkshire coast, to get a cone to battle the heatwave, this sweet treat spot is located right in the heart of the city centre.
Freshly churned and an abundance of flavours, there you can grab gelato by the scoop, fresh cannoli, coffees and other sweet treats from the Kirkgate Market stall, in Driffield, York or at a local pop up.
Recently spotted at Chow Down combining the highest quality ingredients from Italy and Yorkshire, you're unlikely to find flavours like Roberto's anywhere else.
There's flavours like Guinness Sorbet available. / Image: Roberto Gelato
In addition to your usual, but nonetheless exciting, pistachio cream, salted caramel and hazelnut, you'll find unique combos like passionfruit cheesecake and Guinness stout sorbet.
If that's not enough, there's even a "Bownana" made specially for your four-legged friend to cool off during the summer heatwave.
The latest addition to the menu is enough to get you into the markets on its own. The Robertone is a sweet pastry roll with a crunchy yet soft exterior that you can fill with a gelato, fruit and syrup of your choosing.
Roberto's Gelato isn't the only gelato store in Leeds that'll keep you going through this unprecedented heat wave, you can find The Hoot's guide to the best ice cream and gelatos in and around the city centre here.
Feature Image- Robertos Gelato
Eats
Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Sophie Smith -
13th July 2022 
