To kick off the festive season, Grantley Hall's brand new orchard will become an alpine-themed winter wonderland: with möet and mulled wine on the menu.
The ultimate wintry retreat has arrived, and it's less than an hour away from Leeds.
Think Alpine chic, with all the festive trimmings, set in the grounds of a historic estate: it's fine-dining at its best.
The Orchard at Grantley Hall will become Aprés, an alpine-themed drinking and dining destination, ready to bring all the Christmas cheer to your table.
Inspired by snowy mountaintops and cosy cabins, Aprés intends to be a sensory experience that won't be forgotten.
The Orchard at Grantley Hall will be the perfect place to relax, alpine-style. / Image: Grantley Hall
Snack on delicious small plates like Three Cheese Arancini or dip Gruyére croutons into Caramelised French Onion Soup before moving on to the main courses that Aprés have to offer.
On the menu you'll find all the best winter warmers, from traditional European favourites like slow braised Beef Cheek Bourguignon with creamed potatoes and Warmed Ratte Potato Salad with truffle dressing.
The Traditional Cheese Fondue is perfect for sharing. Cured meats, ratte potatoes, cornichons and pickled onions with sourdough and, of course, an seemingly endless supply of gooey melted cheese.
Save room for desert as the Aprés menu needs to be thoroughly sampled: all three courses.
The Melting Valrhona Hot Chocolate Cake is a show-stopper that even Mary Berry would be tempted by. Served with homemade marshmallows and malted milk chocolate sauce: the effortless fusion of the hot drink and sweet treat showcases festive menus at their finest.
Luxurious cocktails are also on the menu, alongside the well-known Grantley punch selections like the orignial blend of framboise, fraise, vodka, champagne float and lemon juice or their Waterfall Punch with elderflower gin, lemon and mediterranean tonic.
Moët and Ruinart champagnes are amongst some of the fine collection at Aprés, alongside carefully selected wines from around the world.
The venue will look spectacular in the twilight hours. / Image: Grantley Hall
Based in Ripon, just North of Harrogate, Aprés at The Orchard will be open from Saturday 6 November, but due to popular demand their opening night launch party has already sold out.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
3rd November 2021 
