Eats

Renowned Taiwanese dessert parlour set to open in the Merrion Centre

Taro ball desserts, Grass Jelly, Shaved ice and more.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 24th October 2023

Meet Fresh will open its third UK site in the Merrion Centre Leeds later this year.

If you've got a sweet tooth, then you will most definitely want to keep reading as we have some great news for you.

Introducing 'Meet Fresh', a renowned eatery serving up delectable, Taiwanese desserts which is soon to open in the heart of Leeds city centre.

From Taro ball puddings, Grass Jelly delights, refreshing shaved ice and a variety of  beverages - Meet Fresh offers the unique opportunity for customers to dip their toe in the world of Taiwan's dessert culture.

A selection of Taiwanese desserts from Meet Fresh.
Image: Supplied

The new space in the Merrion Centre will boast a venue encompassing 2,000 sq ft in a cosy relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat and catching up with friends.

With well-loved locations in Glasgow and London, this will just be their third opening in the UK and have others planned for both Birmingham and Edinburgh in November.

Charles Newman, Associate Director for Town Centre Securities, owners of the Merrion Centre, said "We are delighted to welcome Meet Fresh to the Merrion Centre family. The brand’s unique concept and delectable offerings will undoubtedly further enhance the diverse mix of culinary experiences available across the Arena Quarter.

Image: Supplied

“Dessert shops were relatively unknown on the UK high street up until about a decade ago and since then we have witnessed a boom, as the culture of consuming desserts at any time of day continues to evolve.  Sweet tooth or not, the UK is a nation of dessert lovers and this is the perfect destination to indulge.

“Situated in a prime location in the heart of the city, amidst universities and an abundance of accommodation, their fresh, new store is set to be the perfect addition to our dynamic and ever expanding community."

Although there is no official opening date yet for Meet Fresh Leeds, you can check their social media page for announcements.

Read more: The Man Behind The Curtain set to relaunch as ‘Psycho Sandbar’

Featured image - Meet Fresh

Eats

A look inside Leeds’ first Sardinian restaurant serving soul food on the water’s edge

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Domo is ready to open its doors and sun-drenched terrace this Friday.

Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.

Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.

Opening this Friday 5 June, we had a peek inside and let us tell you, it's even better than we imagined.

Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds

First off, the interior is just drop dead gorgeous.

From the moment you step inside you feel as though you've been whisked away to an Italian island, the walls are lined with hundreds of booze bottles and on each table you'll find beautifully hand-painted plates ready to be adorned with delicious food.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Every corner is dotted with antique trinkets, and we already know the stretching terrace will be the place to be when the sun comes out.

Now, onto the food.

From small plates made for sharing to hearty bowls of seafood pasta, everything is made with the freshest ingredients and made entirely in-house.

You could do a lot worse than plonking yourself on the terrace with mates, ordering a selection of their cocktails and tucking into a heaping plate of fried calamari and prawns or a carefully curated plate of Sardinian cured meats and cheeses.

They also serve pizzas and salads, all accompanied by a brilliant wine and cocktail list. Whether you're after a long lunch, celebrating an occasion with a slap up meal or fancy a few nibbles - Domo can cater to all.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Domo co-founder, Sarah Elliott-Busceddu, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally open the doors and welcome people into Domo Leeds. From day one, our vision has been to create a space where everyone feels welcome and somewhere that brings people together in the true spirit of Sardinian hospitality.

“Whether it’s an evening out with friends, a relaxed catch-up over drinks after work, or a big family celebration, we’ve designed Domo to feel warm, inclusive and full of life. We can’t wait for people in Leeds to experience not just the food and drinks, but the atmosphere and sense of community that sits at the heart of everything we do.”

You can book your table here.

Read more: A much-loved Leeds coffee shop is celebrating 15 years in the city with £1.50 coffees

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Here’s 10 of the best places to visit in Farsley at the weekend

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Farsley is one of Leeds' most beloved suburbs, and it's not hard to see why.

Drenched in history and industrial heritage, Farsley has a lot to say for itself and is overflowing with things to see and do.

It has a real community feel to it which you can feel almost instantly, and it's filled with loads of independent businesses which makes Farsley the perfect spot to explore at the weekend.

Here are our top picks of what to do in this this up-and-coming suburb of Leeds this weekend.

Westroyd Park

12 Sunfield Dr, Stanningley, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 6DS

Westroyd Park is a beautiful green gem situated in the heart of Farsley. A sprawling expanse of greenery featuring free tennis courts and colourful gardens with the lovely West Royd House at its centre.

Thanks to the brass band that play every weekend, the park really comes alive throughout the summer making it the perfect place to bring a picnic, relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational commercial and cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley. Founded in 1829, these beautifully restored mills are now home to a range of independent organisations both large and small.

Visit their 3,000 square foot art gallery and view the work of local artists, designers and makers. You can buy many of the pieces on display or have a go yourself at one of their many workshops and creative courses.

Grumpy's

2 Old Combing, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.

Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.

Read more: The family-run neighbourhood Leeds restaurant that’s about more than just pizza – it’s about community

Amity Brew Co.

Sunny Bank Mills

Image: The Hoot Leeds

'Community, friendship and good beer' are Amity's ethos. Opening in December 2020 they have quickly become a Farsley favourite. Located in the Sunny Bank Mills, the brewpub serves limited batch beer on-site to their local community, focusing on modernised takes on classic beer styles.

La Grassa

Inside Amity Brew Co.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

La Grassa is a new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co.

La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.

Silver's Bakehouse

62 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5LF

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.

Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste. Expect focaccia sandwiches, gooey brownies, chewy cookies and loads more.

Pardon Me

Unit 12, The Twisting, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Tucked away in the beautiful Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is a record bar built around 'music, atmosphere, and detail'.

It's been launched by Scott Rapson, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with music around the time of the arrival of hip hop in the early 80s. Bartenders here create a small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails and pour natural wines from Wayward Wines in front of a wall of vinyl, while a collection of Scott's records play as a soundtrack to your evening.

Cargo Wines

Sunny Bank Mills

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after a proper nice wine bar then this is the spot for you. They've got a wine for everyone in a gorgeous, chilled out atmosphere. If you need us, we're probably here.

St Jude's

 69 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after some lovely brunch and a cup of coffee, then look no further than St Jude's. This fabulous all-day dining spot serve up a really varied menu so everything that can get something they fancy.

Feature Image- Grumpy's

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