The Wensleydale Creamery, based in Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire dales, are opening a brand-new cheese tasting area; ‘A Taste of Yorkshire’.
Calling all cheese lovers, this is your time to shine. The Wensleydale Creamery are giving you the opportunity to undergo a cheese experience as part of their already popular visitor centre.
'A Taste of Yorkshire' will allow guests to sample an extensive range of their award-winning cheeses, all perfectly paired alongside a range of delicious local produce.
Image: Wensleydale Creamery
Opening on Thursday 28th July 2022, the tasting experience is part of the Creamery's exciting investment plans which will bring in visitors from far and wide.
One thing's for sure, this is a must visit for all foodies who are especially partial to a cheeky cheese board.
Image: Wensleydale Creamery
So, what's on the menu? You'll have the pleasure of tasting a range of deliciously crumbly Wensleydale cheeses whilst learning how they're made, what gives each cheese it's unique taste and texture, and pointers on what to pair perfectly with each dairy delight.
There will also be a retail space showcasing all the products that you've sampled so you can pick up your favourites to devour back at home.
Image: Wensleydale Creamery
Trish Cannon, Director of the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre, said: “As the UK’s flagship cheese visitor experience, we’re always looking at ways to continue to update and evolve our offering. It’s all about making our guest’s visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible, providing them the opportunity to learn more about our cheese range and impart our knowledge of how best to eat and pair with other amazing local food and drink."
Image: Wensleydale Creamery
“We’re excited to see our vision of the new space come to life and look forward to welcoming more guests to the Creamery to see all the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes, and of course to taste all the delicious local produce.”
The Creamery are also launching a loyalty card for the ultimate cheese lover which will give free entry for a whopping 12 months.
For more information, take a look at the Creamery's website.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Clementine Hall -
27th July 2022 
