Eats

The Chinese afternoon tea in Leeds with dim sum and cocktails

Afternoon Chi from Mans Market is redefining afternoon tea in Leeds and it's the perfect booze-fuelled experience for all foodies.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 13th January 2022

If you thought you knew afternoon tea, think again.

Mans Market is known and loved in Leed for its amazing bottomless brunches, instagrammable cocktails and creative flair of brightly coloured decor inside its underground location in Leeds city centre.

Having been highly recommended by the Sunday Times, we're convinced that Mans Market has received nothing but glowing reviews since its opening, but it's their Afternoon Chi concept that's got us talking non-stop about dim sum in 2022.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Based on the traditional afternoon tea, Mans Market have replaced those boring finger sandwiches and petit fours with all your favourite dishes to create the ultimate afternoon experience- with plenty of booze included.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the underground restaurant with a glass of fizz, but have plenty of chances to grab cocktails galore during their stay. Think signature boozy mizes like Mans 75, made up of Tanqueray London Dry, Lychee, Lemon and Prosecco or even grab a Bubblegum Daiquiri just an extra fiver.

Miami Splice cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're doing Dry January or just don't fancy getting boozy in the afternoon, there are loads of non-alcoholic options for you to choose from too. Not only can you get three varieties of tea: Yorkshire (obviously), Jasmine or green tea, but there's soft drinks and a whole range of mocktails on offer too.

The Kobe Tai can be made as a non-alcoholic option and we're obsessed with how much it looks like its boozy predecessor- it even comes with a little shot of lemonade. The Bubblegum Daiquiri and plenty more can be made upon request too- just ask at the bar.

Bubblegum Daiquiri mocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds

In classic Mans Market style, the menu is there to guide guests through the choices they make before you clip your 'Feed Me' sign to the rope on the ceiling to get the waitress' attention.

Aware that the way to people's hearts (and stomachs) is to give us our favourite foods, every dish on the menu comes with a multiple choice of toppings. Guests are invited to choose a bao bun- with crispy roast duck or Panko tofu, before selecting from four different dim sum options.

Read More: The Leeds Chinese bottomless brunch with dim sum, mains and TWO hours of drinks

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Think handfuls of Chicken Gyoza, Pork War Tip Dumplings, Mushroom Corn and vegan-friendly Bamboo Dumplings, each swirled and dunked into sweet chilli or soy sauce before making your way onto vegan spring rolls and snack on Lotus Crisps with chilli and spring onions.

This really is the epitome of a unique afternoon tea, perfect for all Chinese food connoisseurs and those that love a bit of dim sum after a few drinks with respective interest.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Desserts are even included as part of the package- there's Matcha Moochi with strawberries, Yuzu and Vanilla cheesecake or a vegan-friendly brownie to choose from- each of which come as highly recommended as the next.

If you're still hungry, extra dim sum is available for just £3.50 extra, this time replacing dumplings with Salt and Pepper Chicken or Tofu, Satay Chicken dishes or four more Chef Mans Spring Rolls.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Read More: The best restaurants serving afternoon tea in Leeds

Given the entire menu comes to £16.50 per person, it's an absolute steal. Given Mans Market's non-stop glowing reviews and their steady stream of foodies coming through their doors, make sure you book yourself in well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Afternoon Chi is available every Wednesday - Friday from 2 - 5pm each day. If you want to beat the January blues, make sure to quote JAN30 upon booking for 30% off the entire menu every Wednesday and Thursday (max table of eight people per booking).

Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds

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Eats

‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

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.

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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.

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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.

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"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."

Read more: Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer

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Eats

Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards

Clementine Hall 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.

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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."

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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