The owners behind one of Leeds' most-loved pubs is bringing a brand new opening to the city centre.
Our very own food and drink hall.
And it's set to bring together a whole host of independents, including Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology Brewery and Whitewood Distilling, amongst other food traders.
Expect all the charm from the oldest pub in Leeds, but the idea is that this new opening won't be a replica of Whitelock's Ale House, it's going to be far from it.
Based at White Cloth Hall, the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city's newest food and drink hall, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Hidden just behind the Corn Exchange, you might remember the building for hosting BrewDog, Pizza Express and a hairdressers, but it actually started life way back in 1775 as a marketplace for merchants to sell undyed or 'white' cloth.
The hall is set to open in 2024 and bring all the former units together into a single place to eat, drink and unwind from a busy day in the city.
Given the history behind Whitelock's, Leeds' oldest pub, working with an older building is certainly no challenge for the team taking over.
Ed Mason, Whitelock’s Ale House Managing Director said: "This is such a beautiful and iconic building - we’re really excited about taking it over. At Whitelock’s we celebrate and support local independent breweries and food and drink suppliers - and we’re looking forward to doing the same at White Cloth Hall, on an even bigger scale”
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Mason and the Whitelock's team took over and relaunched the pub back in 2012 and more recently opened The Meanwood Tavern in 2022, taking an old neighbourhood bar in the suburbs and transforming it into a popular food and drink spot that has had locals and city dwellers flocking to Meanwood in droves since opening.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
26th September 2023 
