Renowned food critic Jay Rayner heralds Leeds' food scene including award-winning Highland Laddie, Empire Café and Friends of Ham
A renowned food critic has heralded the incredible food scene across Leeds during a book talk - including praising award-winning pub Highland Laddie, bar Friends of Ham and also Empire Café.
Jay Rayner spoke at the Farsley Literature Festival on Monday (November 9) following the release of his book Nights Out in the Kitchen, the sequel to the popular Nights Out at Home.
Speaking to host Amanda Truman - owner of Truman Books in Farsley, Leeds - the Financial Times critic lauded the quality of food across the city.
The Highland Laddie in Leeds was named the best pub in the country by the Good Food Guide in 2025 and Jay previously described it as ‘a red-brick wedge of an old Leeds boozer.’
“It's a 1970s classic with the safety catch off”, Jay said in a January 2026 review.
“Let’s just celebrate a present which has found space for the Highland Laddie amid the high-rise clutter”, he concluded.
In 2013, Jay also reviewed Friends of Ham - a craft beer bar in Leeds city centre - while with The Observer.
“I would choose Friends of Ham over any number of bona fide Leeds restaurants”, he said.
Empire Café was also given praise by Jay on the night.
He reviewed the café in 2023 and said he “loved the enthusiasm of the staff, its attention to the good things” and “its sweetly comic attachment to location”.
Jay stayed behind after the event to sign books for fans.
Truman Books was named the North England Regional & Country Winner for Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards 2026.
Farsley Literature Festival runs throughout October and November.
The line-up includes John Boyne, the critically acclaimed author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Yorkshire-born Joanne Harris – bestselling author of Chocolat.