Eats

From lockdown baking to Roundhay cafe: The Savvy Baker to open its first cafe next week

"I can’t wait to be able to meet all of the customers that have been supporting since that start."

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 24th March 2022

The Savvy Baker is one of Leeds' best lockdown success stories.

Savannah Roqaa became an overnight sensation after sending her friends brownie care packages in the first lockdown two years ago, and has since captured the attention of the entire city with her innovative brownie flavours, charismatic demeanour and pop-up events in and around Leeds.

The baking entrepreneur is now celebrating two years of baking brownies and opening a cafe in Roundhay, where her business first began.

Image: The Savvy Baker

Since churning out 30-40 boxes of brownies per week from her small Roundhay home kitchen, Savannah has grown a cult following of devoted foodies, leaving her with over 50,000 Instagram followers and the likes of Leeds United legend Kalvin Phillips as fans of her delicious treats.

The new cafe is going to stock all of Leeds' favourite baked goods, expect all their usual brownies, brookies, cookies, flapjacks, cakes, tarts, sticky stuff and serving up Leeds' famous North Star coffee.

Read More: All the new openings coming to Leeds in spring 2022

Image: The Savvy Baker

Savannah told The Hoot Leeds: “We’re both so excited to be able to open a customer-facing cafe. I can’t wait to be able to meet all of the customers that have been supporting [us] since that start.

“This is still just the beginning and can’t wait for what’s in the future”.

Be sure to keep an eye out for their new brownie tubs too, which have been consistently selling out online along with their brownie stacks which are loved by Leeds United players on birthdays and other special occasions.

Klavin Phillips visiting The Savvy Baker kitchen. / Image: The Savvy Baker

Having moved into commercial bakery to handle the massive and ever-growing demand, she now regularly hosts pop-ups across the country and small business events in the Savvy Baker HQ, sharing her huge platform with other Yorkshire based small businesses.

Savannah said: “After we’ve been open a couple of months, we will be able to expand our menu, offering breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, shakes, ice cream, and more! We also want to plan events, including doggy days! But we’re taking it one step at a time”.

The cafe is going to run alongside the commercial kitchen that currently produces hundreds of brownies for local businesses and hungry customers around the city and is set to open on Thursday 31 March.

Image: The Savvy Baker

Supporting The Savvy Baker through the cafe opening and taking an active role in renovations, Savannah's partner, Jordan Simms, has come on board to allow the two venues to run in tandem.

“Jordan moved up to Leeds and has always been my biggest supporter. I’m so busy with the bakery and running that side of the business that having someone I trust to help run the cafe was a must…plus not having to make every decision alone is a bonus!

We’re both really excited; it feels like the most natural next step. Initially, we were solely online, but as the world changes, we have to adapt! So that’s what’s happened.”

Savannah Roqaa and Jordan Simms outside the new cafe. / Image: The Savvy Baker

The Savvy Baker cafe will be open every Tuesday - Sunday 8.30am-4pm from their newly-renovated premises on Lidgett Lane, Roundhay. For more information (or just to drool over the brownie selection), visit The Savvy Baker Instagram page.

Feature Image- The Savvy Baker

Eats

Beloved late night Leeds cocktail bar The Maven announces permanent closure

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"

It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.

The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.

Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.

Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."

The post continued: "After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors on the 28th of March.

"Rest assured every booking will be honoured. Every cocktail poured properly. The lights stay low. The music stays on. We’re not done yet.

"Thank you for being our guests - we hope you'll join us for the final chapter and celebrate all things Maven this month."

Comments have been flooding in with fans expressing their sadness and praising them for their 'best spicy margs' and fond memories spent at The Maven.

So make sure to pop by and cheers to The Maven before its gone for good.

Read more:

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.

Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.

Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering. 

The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage. 

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.

The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.

Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality. 

Image: Supplied

“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here. 

“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.” 

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

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