Two lads are on a pilgrimage to review every Greggs in the UK
The Greggs devotees have traversed the length and breadth of the country doing what can only be described as God’s work. Here's what they said about Leeds...
Two enthusiastic Greggs fans are making their way around the country on a pilgrimage reviewing every bakery that they can find - and yes, of course, they've made it over to Leeds.
From West Sussex to Norfolk, Ledbury to Leeds, the Greggs devotees have traversed the length and breadth of the country doing what can only be described as God's work - seeking to review each and every branch, giving full reports along the way on every aspect of their experiences, and throwing in a few literary and biblical references along the way, just for laughs.
Each post goes into an extreme level of detail, with the reviewers (revealed by The Tab to be students Milo and Tom) soliloquizing on the highs, the lows and the bang-on-average parts of each experience - and some of their write-ups are, frankly, hilarious.
Image: Greggs Pilgrimage
The connoisseurs take the task seriously: giving numbered rankings of each bakery, taking those all-important aspects - staff, service, freshness, taste and temperature - and rating each out of ten, before giving an overall score.
As is to be expected Leeds has done pretty well, with an overall rating of 8/10.
Leeds is described as having a Greggs on 'every corner', with staff that 'smiled and were friendly', the duo note a 'good variety on offer' - with exception of one 'traumatised' sausage roll, which they avoid.
Opting for another - described as "flaky, possibly overly so, however still a good quality" despite being "boiling at one end and not as hot at the other. A totally new experience for a totally new store."
Imag: Greggs Pilgrimage
In another more recent review, this time tackling a Greggs in Brighton, the pair nod to Renaissance poet John Milton's 17th-century epic Paradise Lost - asserting that Milton was, like them, a fellow sausage roll aficionado.
One particularly brilliant line states: "[the poem] is considered to derive closely from the source material within the bible but a lesser known fact is that the widespread version of the poem actually borrows heavily from Milton’s undervalued earlier work: “Paradise Found”, and his previous career as a sausage roll aficionado.
It continues: "Milton was convinced that he had stumbled upon crumbly perfection. He warned the sausage roll could make heaven or hell, and discouraged deviation from the formula he acquired.
"Thankfully, there is one institute which upholds Milton’s faith and ensures his brilliant and timeless knowledge is not lost. For this we should be ever indebted. Viva la Greggs."
Suffice to say, it all makes for pretty great reading.
According to a report by The Tab, the pair have been on a mission to review every single Greggs in order to find the best for the past three years.
Described as "a lifelong vocation", the pair told the publisher that they'd worked out it would take them around 2 grand in sausage rolls and five Greggs' visits a day to tackle every site in a year.
Talk about commitment, though, they're still at it - with the latest post uploaded just four days ago.
The full Leeds review said:
"Leeds Greggs
"Each corner I turned a Greggs appeared! I stepped in and was filled with an overwhelming warming sensation. It was as if I was being defrosted from a long cold sleep. I was greeted by a smile as I plumbed for the usual - a sausage roll, I accompanied this delicacy with a chicken bake.
"The sausage roll was gleaming golden brown as I removed the bag. I could smell the familiar aroma swirl and swish about my nostrils like a cool breeze. It was flaky, possibly overly so, however still a good quality. It was well cooked, not greasy and the sausage meat was nicely done. My only real criticism which was less of a criticism just more of an observation was that it was two different temperatures. Boiling at one end and not as hot at the other. A totally new experience for a totally new store.
"The chicken bake was similar other than the resounding difference that it was chicken. The pastry was great, fresh and not to greasy. It flaked off the perfect amount. The only worry was the back bits in the middle as the picture shows. The innards were tasty, a great balance of creamy sauce and chicken.
"The chicken could have done with being left in about 30 seconds longer but I’m just being picky! It was a perfect temperature and a great taste. The staff smiled and were friendly. The variety on offer was good, however there was one very traumatised sausage roll on offer which thankfully I didn’t get (see picture).
"All in all it seems fresh and was a great experience!!
"Taste 9/10
"Temperature 8/10
"Freshness 8.5/10
"Variety 7.5/10
"Staff 7/10."
Overall 8/10".
One comment on the review simply states "I love Leeds!!!!" In that, I think we can all agree.
The full track list for the charity album has been released, featuring Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Olivia Rodrigo and loads more.
The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.
But today, the monkeys are back with a brand new song titled 'Opening Night' , in support of War Child's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war.
That project being 'HELP(2)' - a brand new collaborative album inspired by the landmark 1995 release 'HELP' to engage music lovers globally in support of the charity's vital work.
The new album will be released on Friday 6 March and was brought to life through close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025 under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford.
There's so me pretty huge names on the album who have contributed, including Fontaines D.C, Pulp, Damon Albarn, Wet Leg, Young Fathers and so many more.
Recorded in a single day in 1995, the original ‘HELP’ album raised over £1.2 million, enabling War Child to provide vital support to thousands of children caught in the Bosnian conflict.
The full track list to the album is: ‘HELP(2)’ Tracklist:
Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags
Black Country, New Road - Strangers
The Last Dinner Party - Let’s do it again!
Beth Gibbons - Sunday Morning
Arooj Aftab & Beck - Lilac Wine
King Krule - The 343 Loop
Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
Arlo Parks - Nothing I Could Hide
English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
Beabadoobee - Say Yes
Big Thief - Relive, Redie
Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys on Mopeds
Cameron Winter - Warning
Young Fathers - Don’t Fight the Young
Pulp - Begging for Change
Sampha - Naboo
Wet Leg - Obvious
Foals - When the War is Finally Done
Bat For Lashes - Carried my girl
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - Sunday Light
Olivia Rodrigo - The Book of Love
You can pre-order the album here and listen to the new song by the Arctic Monkeys here.
Six of our favourite cosy pubs in Leeds City Centre to hide away from the rain
Clementine Hall
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.
Georgina Pellant -
28th January 2022 
