I couldn't believe it. My final morning in Rotterdam. As I marched down the long road with the magnificent and imposing, diagonally sloped roof of Rotterdam Centraal getting closer and closer, I was smiling as though I had finally reached the finish line of a marathon - I'd done it! I celebrated this momentous occasion …
Today was my first full day in Rotterdam and I had a lot of things I wanted to tick off the list. Firstly, I had to tip toe my way up and down from my top bunk bed several times, around a dorm of people all waking up one by one, as we each waited …
It was the day after Valentine’s Day, when I first walked through the door I came in search of pies and pints But was too late. Timings didn’t match up and I had to catch a train We chose to stay anyway for toasted Leeds Bread Co-op sourdough drizzled in olive oil, butter pats sinking …
It was the depth of winter. February 2018. Fu-Schnikens, renowned for their steamed buns, hosted a ramen night as a prerequisite for what was to come. The teaser we all wanted. A new restaurant was on the horizon for Leeds. Over three years, the name House of Fu was born, with more taster nights, anticipiation …
Continue reading House of Fu, Leeds: ‘I dip my spoon in, slowly sinking into this hot bath’.
School Diner, Leeds I remove a slice to unveil the shape of Pac-Man. Studded with gems of ruby red pepper, a smothering of blistered halloumi and slugs of muddy green pesto. My pizza sits on a paper plate it’s already outgrown and as each fragile slice is airlifted towards my mouth, rings of translucent grease …
Two cinnamon bagels, a nap and several podcasts later, I'd arrived in Rotterdam. I disembarked the train (quick Passport, money, phone check) walked out of the ticket barriers and realised...I hadn't really thought this far. I was actually in Rotterdam now. A city in Europe I'd never been to in my life and I was …
During lockdown, I read Bill Bryson's novel, The Body. As we went head first into a pandemic, I dedicated my evenings and weekends to this book. It was a stark revelation to be reminded of how in awe we should be of the muscles, bones and hormones that hold us together and look after us. …
When we embarked on our kitchen renovation, there was the desirable revelation that with no means of cooking, we would have no other choice but to feed off takeouts, everyday, for a week. The notion was exciting and thrilling. There was something that felt so indulgent but it was also totally ok, because we were …
The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and it's now EVEN more important than ever to continue supporting small and local businesses. I want to shine a particular light on some of the amazing black-owned restaurants, cafes and street food outlets in Leeds, who are continuing to serve …
Continue reading Support local, black-owned businesses in Leeds
"This place doesn't have an address," were the words uttered as we got out the Uber. "Right, where are we going then?" It wasn't long before we stumbled upon the restaurant on Stainbeck Corner, despite not being able to find the postcode anywhere (it's now on their social media). It was a Friday night and …
Continue reading Hern, Leeds: ‘A chorus of small plates started flying out of the kitchen’.
