House of Koko is a cult favourite in Leeds for brunches - and for good reason.
There's two sites, spread across Chapel Allerton and Oakwood, each with a slightly different menu, but both featured a clear love for all things brunch.
Both the traditional eggs benny kind, plus creations inspired by locations near and far -the kind you dream of brunches finding on a faraway holiday, just without the warm weather.
Available at both sites you've got the famous pancakes: a stack of three fluffy treats layered between sweet and savoury combos like Nutella, mixed berry compote, white chocolate chips and bacon (or This Isn't Bacon for a vegan alternative) with maple syrup.
'The Bennies' part of the menu also features across both sites with a choice of smoked streaky bacon, oak-smoked Atlantic salmon and chestnut mushrooms sautéed in garlic confit, served with poached free-range eggs and signature Koko hollandaise sauce on a bed of light granary bread.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The remainder of the menu varies slightly between the Oakwood and Chapel Allerton locations, but each deserves a visit in its own right.
Think Shakshuka; Red Lentil Dahl; hummus plates with Balilah, warm chickpeas fried with spices, herbs and lemon or Moroccan spiced chicken with Koko preserved lemon aioli, homemade labneh, pickled shallots served on a toasted ciabatta - there really is something for everyone's palette here.
Plus there's a huge choice of locally-sourced bakes, caffeinated drinks, cocktails and smoothies on offer for those just popping by.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The sun-lit cafes operate on a walk-in basis only, so whilst you can't book in advance for your brunch, you'll be welcomed in with open arms upon arrival and staff will always do their best to find you the best seats available.
You can however book House of Koko after the cafe closes, and use the space to celebrate your next big event.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate your birthday, cheers to a new big job, house or staff party, or just want an excuse to get your mates together, House of Koko transforms by night into the perfect intimate location.
And that's not all, by night the cafes also offer pop-up dinners from some of Masterchef’s finalists to local indies.
Most recently, locals have been treated to a one-off menu from Masterchef contestants Omar Foster, Terri Fearon with Jack Wilkinson as part of Brown Butter Dining's Supper Club, but previously menus from Bastards Bistro, Koben Smokehouse, Nick Rapson, Aida, The Cheesy Living Co, Afsaneh's Kitchen and more.
You can keep up to date with the latest events from House of Koko on Instagram or head down to either the Chapel Allerton site on 62 Harrogate Road or 466 Roundhay Road in Oakwood to check out this Leeds' favourite for yourself.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
AD
Eats
New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
1st March 2024 
