Leeds' oldest pub is raising a glass to our friends across the pond by serving up an American-themed Thanksgiving feast.
For most of us, Thanksgiving is something we've only seen on films or on the TV.
Huge, almost cartoon-like turkeys acting as the centre piece, surrounded by a myriad of side dishes like macaroni cheese, cranberry sauce and one that we just can't get our heads around...sweet potatoes with marshmallows on them?
Now one of our favourite spots in Leeds, Whitelock's Ale House, are combining their monthly dinner club with the American holiday so that we can have a taste of it.
Taking place on Thursday 23 November, guests can enjoy a whopping five course meal inspired by all the American classics for just £50 per person.
But of course, they're putting their own Whitelock's spin on it.
We're talking Smoky Chorizo Sweet Potatoes with spring onion crema, Lobster Mac and Cheese Croquettes and Salt Baked Turkey with duck fat fondant potatoes.
We reckon that after tucking into this feast, you'll be wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving year in, year out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And where better to celebrate than Leeds' oldest pub, drenched in history and adorned with copper table tops - Whitelock's is a wonderful place to dine on good food with good company.
Complete with a roaring fire in the corner, you'll be feeling suitably festive in no time at all.
Announcing the news to Instagram, they said: "Our November Dinner Club falls on Thanksgiving, the American holiday that traditionally celebrates the harvest for the year. For this month we have taken inspiration from American traditions and created an exciting menu befitting our Dinner Club ethos and our commitment to traditional dishes finished to the highest standard."
To read the full menu and to book your table, take a look at Whitelock's website.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
9th November 2023 
