Independent cafe, 'Bruschetta' is supporting local businesses and serving up the freshest and most innovative brunch dishes in the city.
The Corn Exchange on Call Lane is home to some brilliant independent cafes and boutiques which showcase the creativity and fantastic community spirit of Leeds. Cosy coffee shop and cafe 'Bruschetta' are no exception.
Nestled in the magnificence of the Corn Exchange's gothic interior, the atmosphere is light and airy, making it the perfect spot for a brunch with friends or mid-week meeting.
Image: Bruschetta
Opening just 15 months ago, the small team at Bruschetta have found the winning formula for success. The menu is small but the flavours are not, each item is carefully thought through and brunch classics are given an exciting twist with their homemade sauces and spices.
But first, let's talk about the coffee. The beans are sourced and roasted from a local company in Sheffield and are then left to breathe for 14 days before serving. The magic formula for the perfect cup of joe is then decided on each morning, depending on the specific conditions and climate on that day. Seems like a lot of work for a cup of coffee but my god, I can confirm it was worth it. I'll be going back again and again for my daily oat milk flat white fix.
Image: The Hoot
Now for the food. Each morning the ingredients are sourced from Leeds market and you can definitely tell; the dishes are fresh, vibrant and flavoursome whilst also being great value for money. I opted for the Full Algerian breakfast which consisted of harissa spiced cannellini beans on toasted bruschetta, topped off with an oozing poached egg and spiced merguez sausage. The final touch is a house-made roasted pine nut and za'atar oil which I now need a bottle of. The flavours were punchy but perfectly balanced and left me wanting to sample all the other savoury options on the menu.
Image: The Hoot
But of course I had to leave room for something sweet and the french toast with caramelised apricots and mango certainly did not disappoint. Lacquered apricots lay on a healthy hunk of toasted brioche, topped off with a dollop of Cornish clotted cream and a sprinkling of saffron. This wasn't overly sweet and the tartness of the apricots really shone through whilst the mango coulis swirled with the clotted cream to create an indulgent sauce for the pillowy brioche to mop up.
In an attempt to offset all that naughtiness, I went for a freshly squeezed orange, carrot and ginger juice. They have a juice menu which changes depending on the fresh fruit available at the market or you can make your own by picking your fruits from the market style set-up at the counter.
Image: Bruschetta
With a seasonal menu which changes regularly, I'll certainly be going back time and time again. Not only to taste the delicious food and drink but to see the lovely staff whom gave me the warmest welcome and shared their vast knowledge and passion for local business with me.
After their sudden closure and disappearance from Leeds’ independent retail scene earlier this year, North Home have found a new location.
Homeware and interior lovers will remember the devastation that North Home's closure caused back in March.
The independent Nordic-inspired shop in Leeds' affluent Victoria Quarter was stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings.
Well known amongst shoppers for their incredibly well-curated stock and great customer service, this was one of the best shopping experiences for homeware enthusiasts in the city.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Their closure in March was down to "increasing costs", stating that "Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
And low and behold, they've stuck to their word as North Home have announced that they will be moving into Red Brick Mill over in Batley.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, North Home said: "We’re officially setting up a new space! Thanks for all your great suggestions and ideas.
"We’re super excited to start working with you on your interior design projects. Thanks to REDBRICK for their very warm welcome. Opening soon @redbrick_mill in Batley"
This new chapter marks an exciting fresh start for North Home, and we couldn’t be happier to see them back doing what they do best.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Doughnut Tester
Emily Sergeant
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Fancy it then? Does this sound like you?
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Clementine Hall -
24th March 2022 
