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
News
Fire tears through historic Yorkshire mill for THIRD time this year
Another huge blaze has ripped through the historic Dalton Mills in West Yorkshire, which has played a starring role in major TV shows.
The beautiful old mill in Keighley was set ablaze on Saturday evening, with a huge emergency services response.
Around the time the blaze started, 12 fire engines were called to the scene, and residents nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
A number of people who lived in the surrounding area were also evacuated from their homes.
By Sunday morning, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the situation was now 'under control' and thanked the public for their patience.
This is the third fire at Dalton Mills this year alone, devastating the Grade II-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for period dramas Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Robbie Moor, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, shared a video of himself at the scene over the weekend and said the scenes at Dalton Mills were 'extremely concerning'.
He praised the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for their hard work, alongside police and ambulance crews.
He added in a post on X: "Huge thanks to our emergency services for all their efforts and bravery as they continue to tackle the blaze and put out this major fire, and ensure all are safe.
"Thank you also to all who have contacted me this evening. I have visited the scene myself and spoke with the emergency services and neighbouring residents."
In a video statement, he added: "We’ve had another major fire, here in the centre of Keighley, which is deeply infuriating for us all but most importantly those residents that live alongside Dalton Mills, and those businesses.
"This situation just simply cannot continue.
"You know that I’ve been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now, and this is our next major fire."
Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.