Wakefield is currently hosting a trial of a new Eat Out to Help Out-style scheme that can save you up to £10 from Monday to Wednesday.
Called Eat Out Round About, it’s a sustainable reworking of the August 2020 programme that pulled diners back into restaurants and created over 51 million claims across the UK last summer.
Like last summer’s scheme, its aim is to encourage people to return to hospitality venues - pulling them in at off-peak times when venues are more likely to be struggling for business.
Queen's Mill Tea Rooms is one of the independent venues taking part in the scheme
Its vouchers also work similarly, offering customers £10 off their food bill (including soft drinks and coffees) with any spend over £20.
Eat Out Round About Vouchers are currently available for employees from employers, local businesses offering them to customers and through other local promotions such as with The Hoot. The app places a big focus on sustainability: ranking its participating restaurants from bronze to gold, depending on how locally they source their produce.
Eat Out Round About also connects businesses with charities based in local communities, with voucher donations.
From tapas to steak, pizza, pasta and Thai, there’s a wide range of Wakefield restaurants taking part - giving diners a perfect opportunity to revisit old favourites and maybe even discover some new ones.
The Yorkshire Deli in Wakefield is the home of the metre long pizza
These include independent venues like specialty coffee shop Throwback Coffee House, The Yorkshire Deli and Castleford’s Queens Mill cafe, which sits within the world’s largest stoneground flour mill.
Casa Peri Peri, the restaurant from Masterchef’s Bobby Geetha, also features, guaranteeing a perfectly-grilled English peri peri chicken or beef short rib at a midweek price that won’t break your wallet .
Then there’s cosy restaurant Felice Bella Roma with its mix of pizza and pasta staples, family-run authentic Spanish restaurant Jose’s Tapas, or modern bar and kitchen CINTA.
TET is known for its traditional Thai tom yam soup, creamy curries, satay and seafood specials
Thai and Vietnamese spot Tet also feature, giving diners a chance to sample their new summer menu with some tasty savings.
And if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of grandeur, you’ll be pleased to know that the historic Quarry at Horbury is also taking part in Eat Out Round About.
The trial is running up to 16th July, giving you plenty of time to get stuck in and sample some of Wakefield’s best restaurants.
To use your voucher when you dine, all you need to do is download the app and enter your promo code.
Head over to the website to download the Eat Out Round About app, register and select promo code, enter ’thehoot’ and claim your code.
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: "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."
Georgina Pellant -
16th June 2021 
