Hidden away in the Queens Arcade, Simpatico has been serving up some of the best Pizza al Taglio around for long enough for us to know that they know what they're doing when it comes to Italian cuisine.
Now, on a mission to showcase their treats to the brunchtime masses, Simpatico have launched Termini, a bottomless brunch experience not to be missed.
Named after Rome’s iconic central station at the heart of the Eternal City, expect fast-paced service, with every top up running to clockwork standards.
Of course, the drinks included pay homage to their namesake, so expect the likes of refreshing Aperol Spritz, G&Ts, and even top-tier beers like Peroni, served in 330ml bottles. There's a glass of fizz on arrival, plus Prosecco can be served throughout the sitting too, so there's something for every palette.
Image: Simpatico
The only thing missing from this authentic Italian experience is the beaming sunshine and 45 degree heat, though given it is only winter- we're willing to sacrifice the warmth for some delicious food and drink.
All these beverages are sure to get your stomach warmed up, and there's plenty of choice on offer. For starters (yes, you get two courses with this bottomless, how great is that?), guests are encouraged to tuck into an antipasto platter made up of cured meats, olives, warm slices of bread and classic cheeses like mozzarella, blues and good ol' cheddar.
Pizzas are served by the slice in true Simpatico style and the pick 'n' mix flavours are cooked fresh with flavours that will only be confirmed on the day. Expect classic margaritas, mushrooms, pepperoni as well as more exciting toppings like olives and salami chunks.
No two pieces are the same, the same as downstairs where Simpatico's endless menu changes on a regular basis- and we love that we never quite know what we'll be in for. Once you've had your first round of pizzas, you can keep your plate topped up throughout the entire experience with as many slices as you can manage to fit into the two hour sitting.
Image: Simpatico
So in brief, you're looking at an authentic Italian feast with unlimited pizza and booze for two hours- and it only comes to £29.95 per person, a bargain if you ask us.
There's space for forty upstairs in the bottomless dining area, but you can book as many or as few seats as you would like- just make sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. All bookings must be made online and cannot be made in store, so head to the Simpatico website to get your space reserved.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
The Swine That Dines announces the official opening date of its brand new restaurant
Clementine Hall
Much-loved Leeds Bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as The Swine That Dines, has moved to a bigger space in Headingley.
Although it’s gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals for some time now.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they’ve been operating out of North Street where it’s all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added ‘little bit of sunshine’.
But now Swine Bistro has moved up over to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
Image: Supplied
And the time has finally come for them to open their doors, as they announce their first service will take place on Friday 4 April with bookings open from today, Thursday 20 March.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
The expanded space in the restaurant has allowed the team to curate a bigger wine list which will include natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Image: Supplied
The team remains passionate about locally sourced ingredients and has partnered with a variety of Yorkshire suppliers including R&J Yorkshire for its fresh meat, Tarbetts fishmonger, cheese from George & Joseph cheesemongers and beans from micro roaster, Chipp Coffee Co.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant!”
Sophie Smith -
27th January 2022 
