The new street vendors have announced- and there's some seriously delicious options to finish the 2022 season with.
There's a lovely combination of old favourites and newcomers to feed us until the new year, and whether you're after a burger and fries or some gyozas drenched in secret sauce, these vendors have got you covered.
Keep reading to find out what you can grab from each of the food trucks, as well as The Hoot team's recommendations...
Jimmy Macks
Roast squash and black bean tacos. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Packed with flavour, grab a meal deal from Jimmy Macks and take full advantage of the three-piece meal for £12. There's roast squash and black bean soft tacos with charred corn salsa and lime crema or the cult-classic beef brisket birria in crispy folded tacos served with tomato salsa; Mexican chicken with jalapeno salsa and that birria dipping gravy that's got everyone talking. Every meal deal is served with seasoned fries and a soft drink of your choice, or there's side portions like loaded nachos and fries to choose from too.
Hoot recommends: Roast squash and black bean soft tacos with charred corn salsa and lime crema
Pickled Porker Smoke House
Loaded fries with pulled pork and veggie burger. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Back for another year, Pickled Porker is serving up smoked meats with the most incredible barbecue sauce. The huge menu includes at least 14 different options, including the gluten-free skinny loaded fries with 12-hour apple wood smoked pulled pork, melted cheese, sweet and smokey Louisiana-style BBQ sauce and cheese 'whizz' and veggie burger with sweet and smokey BBQ pulled 'chicken' or fiery jerk pulled 'chicken' with pear and lemon ponzu slaw on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Hoot recommends: ANYTHING with the sweet and smokey Louisiana-style BBQ
Big Mouth Gyoza
Mushroom gyoza. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Big Mouth is serving up two different gyoza options, mushroom or pork belly, each of which that are packed with flavour, and generous servings of the brand's secret sauce. Choose from either a bento box with four gyozas in saucy, sticky rice with sesame, spicy, cheezu or curry toppings and house pickles sprinkled on top, or opt for the gyoza tray, which serves a whopping six gyozas in different styles.
Hoot recommends: Mushroom gyoza bento box with sesame rice and as much secret sauce as you can get your hands on
Luigi's Street Food
Fried Cheese and Tomato Pizza. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The much-loved Luigi’s Street Food is just one brand that has taken over Trinity Kitchen this month, but their Italian speciality dishes are proving popular with just about anyone that walks up to their pop-up van. Known as a panzerotto, the traditional Italian dish is deep fried pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and a choice of toppings- and they’re going down a treat.
Hoot recommends: Arancini balls or the cheese and tomato calzone look like any cheese lover dream
Nelly's Barn
Vegan chicken and chips with gravy. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those looking for a burger fix will be delighted to see Nelly's Barn making an appearance at Trinity Kitchen over the 2022 period. There's cheeseburgers, bacon and cheeseburgers or the Whoa Nelly- the double burger with cheddar and crispy bacon to choose from- plus plenty of sides. Think popcorn plant-based 'chicken' with fries and sauces like southern-style gravy, sweet BBQ, garlic mayo and parmesan garlic.
Hoot recommends: Grown up deal with a cheese burger, chips and a lager
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
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."
Sophie Smith -
21st November 2022 
