As one of the oldest chip shops in Leeds, St Michael's Fisheries has a whole lot of history hidden in the walls.
If you've headed into Headingley on any kind of match day - you're bound to have come across this place.
The building first appeared on the books back in 1888 as Miss Annie Dewhirst's Private School before being listed as the Headingley Conservative Association until 1922.
In 1923 St Michael’s Fisheries was officially listed as a ‘fried fish dealer’ and has continued to operate with this trade from this point onwards.
St Michael's Fisheries is considered to be one of, if not the oldest chippy in Leeds and has operated almost completely uninterrupted over the last century. The takeaway even operated during the Second World War as fish and chips was one of the few items that weren’t rationed during this time.
The chippy then became Oak Fisheries in the 1960s and Midgley's in the early 2000s, and has actually only recently changed its name to St Michael's Fisheries.
It is believed that the owner during this time, Denis Dalby, developed a darkroom in the cellar of the building. Known locally as a 'jazz legend', Dalby spent time photographing famous jazz musicians and was the founder of the original Leeds Jazz.
Whilst the dark room doesn't exist today (nor do many of the original features given the sheer age of the chip shop), there's still a few nods to the past century, including traditional Spitfire fryers and photos on the wall of Headingley Stadium over the years.
The current owners Kosta and Panos keep the chippy alive with friendly staff and a well-stocked list of fish, chips and mushy peas.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
9th March 2023 
