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The Savvy Baker to close Roundhay Cafe in preparation for ‘new chapter’

Clementine Hall - 16th May 2025

The beloved Leeds baker has announced it will be closing its cafe in Roundhay.

We know it may seem like really sad news, but it's not all doom and gloom.

Announcing the news to social media on Thursday 15 May, the lovely Savannah of The Savvy Baker labelled the news as bittersweet' and 'a very special chapter in the Savvy Baker story'.

She wrote: "It’s official Roundhay, we’re saying goodbye. Our last day at the Roundhay cafe will be Sunday 25th May.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

"We know many of you already saw this coming (cheers YEP…), and we did hint it was on the horizon—but that doesn’t make it any easier to say.

"This was our first ever shop. The place we took a leap, rolled the dice, and hoped you’d show up. And you did. You’ve been our regulars, our cheerleaders, our cookie testers, and our favourite part of Roundhay."

The post continues: "From you guys queuing on Street Lane and at Oakwood clock in lockdown, it’s really been amazing. I wanted to say all this in the video but I just couldn’t put into words how grateful we are for everyone and the support that we’ve had so far.

"We’ll miss the dog walkers, the weekend treat hunters, the after school brownie runs, we’ve even watched babies be born and grow up to be big sisters!

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A post shared by The Savvy Baker (@thesavvybaker_)

"We’re onto a new chapter and while we can’t give away too much yet, we promise it’s exciting. So please, come see us before the 25th. Let’s go out with love, with laughs, and with one last brookie."

We're not crying, you are.

No but seriously, although it is sad to say goodbye to the Roundhay location we can't wait to see what Sav does next and we'll be first in the queue for a delicious brownie wherever she goes.

Read more: Team behind Three’s A Crowd to open new rooftop bar in old Angelica and Crafthouse site

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

A Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in one of Leeds’ coolest venues

Daisy Jackson A Yorkshire BBQ restaurant has opened in one of Leeds' coolest venues

A Yorkshire BBQ restaurant has opened in one of Leeds' coolest venues

A new Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in Leeds city centre, with sandwich fillings cooked over open flame.

Mandy's Barbecue has taken over the kitchens at The Attic - already one of the city's coolest spaces - serving sourdough sarnies by day and small plates in the evenings.

It's brilliant news for The Attic, after their last resident, Fener Bar, closed after just two months after launching.

Headed up by chef Easher Panesar, whose CV includes the former Michelin-starred Man Behind The Curtain, Mandy's has a proudly Yorkshire menu.

He's created a menu of sandwiches with all the fillings cooked over an open fire barbecue, from BBQ rump steak to a Korean chicken thigh.

And when he says it's a Yorkshire barbecue, Easher means it - meat comes from Neil Smith Quality Butcher, fish is from Kirkgate Market (either S Myer's or Tarbett's Fishmongers), and he sources his veg from a local fruit and veg stand.

And the bread is proudly local too, sourced from Leeds indie Bluebird Bakery.

Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire

Mandy's Barbecue has opened in The Attic, taking over what was previously Fener Bar — Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire

Once the sarnie menu ends at around 3pm, he pivots into small plates, like Jerk mackerel, BBQ sirloin with kimchi, lamb neck with pea puree, and a dark chocolate ganache with olive oil.

There's a new bespoke cocktail menu, created thanks to celebrated Leeds bartender Sands (who you might recognise from Rinse and Bottle Chop).

Priced at just £8 each, that includes classics like Negroni, Old Fashioned, Aperol spritz, Pineapple Daiquiri, and martinis.

Mandy's Barbecue is open at The Attic in Leeds now.

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.

The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.

That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.

That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.

And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.

The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.

The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.

Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.

Inside The Moot in Leeds

The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms — Inside The Moot in Leeds

Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.

"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.

"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."

Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.

When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.

Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."

New artwork in the windows

Leeds Leeds Leeds — New artwork in the windows

Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.

The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.

For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.

She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.

"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds