The Angel at Hetton, the celebrated gastropub that lays claim to being one of the country's first, has just been named the best in the country.
First made famous by the late chef Denis Watkins in the 1980s, its reputation is now on the rise again under the new ownership of Michael Wignall, who took over the 15th-century pub with his wife Johanna in partnership with James and Jo Wellock in 2018.
As one of the UK’s most respected and accomplished chefs, Wignall has so far won a Michelin star in every kitchen he has helmed since 1993. At The Angel, he is serving up much more than mere pub grub.
Image: The Angel at Hetton
Image: The Angel at Hetton
Image: The Angel at Hetton
The last two venues he has headed – The Latymer at Pennyhill Park in Surrey and Gidleigh Park in Devon – won and retained two stars under his stewardship. Now, he is bringing a high-end touch to the Yorkshire Dales boozer.
Coming in at number 12, as well as being named Gastropub of The Year for the second year running, it is one of just two Yorkshire pubs to feature in this year's Top 50 list.
Commenting on the win, the team said: "Absolutely fantastic to be placed Number 12 in the @nationalrestaurantawards Top 100 UK restaurants, along with Gastropub of the year. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, it means the world."
The Angel is joined on the list by The Black Swan at Olstead, which appears at number 32, Run by Great British Menu star Tommy Banks, Also an hour's drive from Leeds, it's described as being 'well worth the journey'.
Image: The Black Swan at Olstead
The Michelin-starred pub has a global reputation for excellence and was named Tripadvisor's Restaurant of the Year in 2017.
Opting for a tasting-menu-only approach, chef-patron Tommy Banks takes inspiration from ingredients grown in the pub's surrounding fields or foraged in and around Oldstead.
Dishes are seasonal and based on what is available locally, however, the menu is not completely dictated by the seasons - regularly using pickled and preserved ingredients in the more fallow months.
Banks’ menu of small plates changes regularly but visitors can expect premium ingredients such as scallops, aged beef and langoustine paired with stellar homegrown produce.
To see the full list of pubs named in this year's awards, click here.
Feature image - The Angel at Hetton
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Heartbreak as beloved Huddersfield railway station cat dies in tragic road accident
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
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National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Georgina Pellant -
14th June 2022 
