The highly anticipated new all-day drink and dining venue is very close to opening, and now we're getting a sneak peek of what to expect.
The masterminds behind one of Leeds' most beloved pubs, Whitelock's Ale House, are bringing to the city White Cloth Hall, a brand new food and drink hall.
Based at White Cloth Hall (obviously), the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city’s newest dining hot spots, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
They've been chipping away behind the scenes for almost a year now, and now it's starting to get very real as the first three resident kitchens have been announced.
Images: Supplied
First up, the legends at Pizza Loco are bringing a new venture - Morty's Focacceria, a new exclusive pizza and slice bar that we can't wait to get our chops around.
Next up, Headingley gem Kuala Lumpar Cafe will be bringing their bold Malaysian flavours to the city centre. Expect colourful and flavourful Nasi Lemak, Rendang curries, Roti Canai and so much more.
Last but no means least, Whitelock's will be bringing their new venture Lupton's Chop House to the hall.
Images: Supplied
Inspired by the Victorian chop houses of all, this new grill and oyster bar we will be celebrating provenance and quality with interesting cuts of meat and the very freshest seafood.
The name is a nod to another Victorian classic - the legendary John Lupton Whitelock was the first Licensee of Whitelock’s in the late 1800s, and the man who gave Whitelock’s its current name, and so it really is the perfect fit.
Images: Supplied
Our bellies are already rumbling, and until they open their doors we'll be waiting on tenterhooks for any further announcements.
To keep an eye out for yourself, take a look at White Cloth Hall's instagram page.
A list of the UK's best independent coffee shops for 2026 has been released, and one in Leeds has come up trumps.
The coffee shop in question may come as no surprise to some of you, as some would say that after 15 years in the city it's become somewhat of an institution.
Of course it's none other than Laynes.
Founded in 2011 by Dave Olejnik, Laynes began life on New Station Street and quickly became one of the first venues in Leeds to focus on carefully sourced and roasted coffee beans, helping lead the way for the city's now-thriving independent coffee scene.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's a proper Leeds staple at this point, sat proudly with its glowing yellow exterior and queues out the door full of punters looking for their morning caffeine fix.
But it's not just us who think it's flipping fantastic, as a new study has revealed the top 10 most popular independent coffee shops in the country and Laynes comes in at a very respectable number 8.
The list, made by Capital on Tap, analysed coffee across the UK looking at Google reviews, monthly searches and social media success.
Laynes was in some pretty good company including Idle Hands in Manchester and Kaf Coffee in Glasgow. But most importantly, none of the top 10 were in London - make of that what you will.
The top 10 most popular independent coffee shops for 2026:
A bakery serving giant NYC-style cookies and fluffy cinnamon buns has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
If you've got a seriously sweet tooth, then you're going to love this new opening.
It seems like there's been a flurry of new bakeries popping up in and around Leeds recently, and we're certainly not complaining.
Introducing Crumbb, a beautiful new bakery that has just opened its doors on Hyde Park Road just moments outside of the city centre.
Owner Naila started the businesses as a wholesaler six years ago, stocking up local businesses from far and wide with sweet treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Since then, Crumbbs opened its first location in Bradford just a few months ago that has been nothing short of a resounding success. So much so, that Crumbbs 2.0 was born right here in Leeds a few days ago.
Right, let's talk you through what's on offer.
For the sweet toothed out there, there's a whole myriad of treats for you to enjoy. We're talking giant NYC-style cookies, fluffy cinnamon buns topped with gooey icing, brownies slices, cookie muffins, rocky road, flapjack, the list is truly endless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can even get warm cookie trays and hot brownies to enjoy in house that can be topped with ice cream or thick custard.
And it doesn't stop there, Crumbbs also whip up freshly baked savoury focaccia slices as well as cheese twists, pizza slices and savoury rolls filled with creamy mozzarella and herbs.
They've also got a fabulous drink selection on offer including matcha, coffee and hot chocolates.
Located in Headingley, we've got a feeling this spot is going to be a huge hit with students and locals alike looking to get their sweet treat fix. But they'll have to beat us to it first.
Clementine Hall -
15th August 2024 
