It's been 20 years since much-loved Thai restaurant Sukhothai opened its doors for the very first time.
To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the restaurant is throwing it back to 2002 and bringing back their original menu to celebrate.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets had just come out, Majestyk and Townhouse were the places to hang out at night and by day, shoppers stormed the Corn Exchange is search of edge one-off designs: 2002 really does feel like a lifetime ago.
There weren't many Thai restaurants around then either, the UK was yet to be introduced to the irresistible flavours of peanut pad thai or the delicious curries and spices.
There were very few Thai restaurants in the UK at that time, never mind Leeds, but one woman seized the opportunity to fill the gap and hasn’t looked back since.
Ban Kaewkraikhot opened her very first Sukhothai restaurant (named after the small-town north of Bangkok where she was raised) in Chapel Allerton in April 2002, bringing with her a lifetime passion for Thai cuisine which began at an early age with her mother’s cooking in rural Thailand.
In total, there's now three Sukhothai's across the country and the owners have since gone on to open an impressive six restaurants of their causal-dining brand Zaap Thai. Not to mention Ban and her dedicated team have won countless awards and survived a global pandemic- it’s been quite the journey.
Now, to celebrate two decades of trading, Sukhothai is reminiscing on their original 2002 menu and bringing back their first ever specials.
Lamb Shank Massamam. / Image: PGHL
Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, succulent lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a sizzling hot plate. The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.
Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, succulent lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a sizzling hot plate. The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.
Diners will be able to pair these nostalgic dishes with the current specials on the modern day menu for a true time-travelling experience through the senses.
‘’Leeds has been my home for over 20 years now, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved at Sukhothai since our humble beginnings back in 2002. Leeds is a fantastic city, full of warm and welcoming people, and one of the most diverse food scenes you’ll find in the world.’’
‘’I’m also lucky enough to call so many customers and team members my friends. I’ve been part of countless engagements, birthdays, graduations and seen children grow up into young adults.’’
‘’I’m eternally grateful to everyone that has supported me over the years and can’t wait to see our most loyal and longstanding customers enjoy our special birthday menu. Removing some of these classic specials from our menu wasn’t always an easy decision, but we always aim to evolve at Sukhothai, and our customers appreciate this.’’
Image: PGHL
‘’The Seafood Platter, in particular, will be welcomed back with open arms, I’ve had so many customers ask when it’s coming back. I look forward to seeing you all, to raise a glass to 20 years. Here’s to the next 20!’’
The menu will be available for 20 days from Tuesday 26 April - Sunday 15 May 2022.
Feature Image- PGHL
Leeds
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Behind the doors of this ‘charming’ old doctor’s surgery in Harewood on the market for £1.6 million
Clementine Hall
Fancy a look inside this beautiful former doctors house in the heart of Harewood?
Silly question, of course you do.
The only thing is, you'll need a spare £1.6 million before you can call it your own...but it doesn't hurt to have a look, does it?
Take a look behind this charming front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Leeds housing market has to offer at the moment.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
This Georgian family home features an impressive 6000 sq ft of accommodation as well as one of the most beautiful gardens we've ever seen.
I mean, how often do you have your own weeping willow tree in your front porch?
The house dates back to the late 1700’s and was once a former doctor’s surgery, but now it stands as one of the fanciest and most prestigious homes in Harewood.
Images: Rightmove / North Residential
We're already obsessed with the gorgeous stone and perfectly manicured landscape, but it's just as exciting when you take a look through the adorable sage green door.
The interior is giving cottage core but in the best way possible, we're talking plenty of wooden beams, solid oak flooring, original windows and of course a big fat AGA.
There's a whopping six bedrooms and three bathrooms (all featuring a sexy big bath), but the grounds are what really give this place the hefty price tag.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
The listing itself states: "With its unique and private plot and rural walks on your doorstep, The Old Surgery provides a rare opportunity to enjoy tranquil village living, yet within striking distance to the hustle and bustle, in a home that is steeped in superb history."
Yep, we couldn't have put it better ourselves.
To have a proper nosey, take a look at the listing here.
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
