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
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Doughnut Tester
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.
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
Clementine Hall
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences 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 it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
Georgina Pellant -
14th June 2022 
