Hickory's Smokehouse Horbury has just celebrated its first birthday.
Located just twenty five minutes from Leeds city centre, Horbury is home to an American-style smokehouse in with a delicious menu of authentic dishes.
Hickory's Smokehouse has been serving up some of the best barbecue dishes this side of the Atlantic for almost a decade now, but the restaurant chain has only just landed this side of Leeds in the past year.
Those looking for an Instagram-friendly drink find their new favourite in the Cotton Candy: a cocktail of Beefeater and Cointreau shaken with lemon juice and poured over a huge ball of candyfloss, which dissolves into the drink as you pour your cocktail into the glass- it's a showstopper.
Image: Hickory's Smokehouse
Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find a range of US Craft Import beers like Brooklyn Lager and Voodoo Ranger Hazy IPA, as well as huge freshly-made milkshakes with flavours like Biscoff, triple chocolate and Cosmic Unicorn (strawberry and white chocolate).
Sink a few drinks between the best of American dining. Featured on the menu is everything from nachos to southern fried chicken, corn dogs to burgers: even the fries have been inspired by the US and come as a cheesy chilli variation.
Image: Hickory's Smokehouse
The menu has been hand-curated over a number of years by the owners, inspired by their American roadtrips. Perfectly slow-cooked meats come on the menu as endless combos, like the Texas Style Beef Dip Sub, a slow-smoked beef brisket hand-carved to order and packed in a sub with onions, sweet peppers, mustard, pickle, cheese andTexas gravy for dipping.
Although there's plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, but this really is a meat-lovers menu.
Three toasted buns, two prime-beef patties, a Southern fried chicken fillet, streaky bacon, bourbon-glazed brisket, a hash brown and two slices of American style cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and Hickoryβs burger sauce makes up the 'Go Big or Go Home Burger', and all the other burgers are similarly stacked with drool-worthy meats and sauces.
Image: Hickory's Smokehouse
To get your foodie fix, American style, you can find Hickory's Smokehouse Horbury, near Wakefield. For more information, including how to book a seat at the newly-opened restaurant, visit the Hickory's Smokehouse website.
Feature Image- Hickory's Smokehouse
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
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: "Weβre 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 donβt 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.
"Weβre just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink weβre proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leedsβ 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,Β crumblyΒ 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."
Sophie Smith -
5th May 2023 
