Leeds' lockdown bakery success story The Savvy Baker revealed over the weekend that they'll be taking over the food van at Trinity Kitchen this week.
Having gained quite the cult following in Leeds with her chocolate-laden gooey brownies, blondies and cookies during lockdown, founder Savannah Roqaa has gone from strength to strength and now employs a full baking team at a warehouse outside of the city.
Her delicious baked goodies are often to be found popping up at various spots in Leeds in further afield, but for this week only you'll also be able to find them at Trinity Kitchen's static food van.
The street food van has been a permanent fixture in the shopping center's food hall since May, sitting alongside permanent eateries such as Archie’s, Pho, Rola Tala, Tortilla, Pizzaluxe, Absurd Bird and Doner Shack.
It's already welcomed a host of different street food traders so far, including the 'low and slow' BBQ delights of Jimmy Macks and, most recently, Halifax's Stodfold and Clough with their modern take on pub grub.
Now, it's the Savvy Baker's turn to take on the truck - and it sounds like she's got some proper treats up her sleeve for us this week.
Promising followers a whole week of warm brownies, ice cream, goodie boxes and "maybe a few surprises" it's not one that you'll want to miss.
Sharing the news on social media over the weekend, Savannah said: "This is MADDD to me. We ain’t complete yet but with 24 hours to turnaround this gorg pop up at @trinity_kitch@trinityleeds to bake everything and try and make it look cute, I’m so buzzing.
"I used to come in here and say one day I’ll have savvy baker in trinity kitchen and it felt like a distant goal, and here she is, in the flesh, savvy baker truck at trinity Leeds!!!
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
13th September 2021 
