The cheap places where one of Leeds' top chefs loves…

The cheap places where one of Leeds' top chefs loves to eat out

You'd think if you were an acclaimed chef you'd be eating at fine dining establishments similar to your own.

But it's not the case, at least not for Masterchef finalist and Leeds restaurateur Jono Hawthorne. His multi-award-winning restaurant Chef Jono at V&V, on New Briggate, serves immaculately presented, inventive, international fusion cuisine.

But where does Jono like to eat when he's not wearing his chef's apron? He's admitted he's a fan of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets but is that his only foray into affordable food?

Is it heck. Jono loves a good, cheap munch as much as we do and he knows where in Leeds to get one. Here is a selection of his favourite restaurants, takeaways and food shops.

Chef Jonathan 'Jono' Hawthorne, of Chef Jono at V&V, Leeds (Jono Hawthorne)

Crown Buffet

Despite its name, this Chinese restaurant just north of the city centre does a la carte as well as a buffet. Jono says pithily: "If you know, you know."

Greggs

He's not joking. "Can't beat a steak bake," Jono says.

JB Wilkinson & Sons

OK, Ilkley isn't really Leeds despite its LS postcode but with hot pies this good it needs a mention. "They are delicious," says Jono.

There are also JBW butcher shops in Otley, Rawdon, Bramhope and Wetherby.

Mill Hill Kebabs

A kebab should be a proper dish in its own right, not something that's only palatable after a drinking session. And they're very palatable at this takeaway on Mill Hill.

Jono says: "Proper kebab, proper salad and proper sauce. Bosh!"

Mrs Atha's

This cool coffee house is Jono's recommendation for hot, caffeinated beverages. He says: "Coffee bangs and the decor is sick."

San Co.co

Jono calls this unassuming cafe on New Briggate a 'great little breakfast spot'.

Stuzzi

This restaurant in Grand Arcade is Jono's preferred place for Italian food, except for Italy perhaps. "No words needed. Just thank you for being in Leeds," says Jono.

The Whitehall

This restaurant and bar at West Point is where Jono likes to go for his Sunday lunch. He says: "One of the best Sunday roasts in Leeds. Not sure what is in their gravy but it is unbelievable."

Whitelocks

This ornate Georgian pub tucked away off Briggate doesn't just do good beer and atmosphere. It does great food too.

Jono says: "Their steak and ale pie is unbelievable. Also the best scotch egg in town."

Zaap

Jono, his partner and his sons love this purveyor of fast, fresh Thai food. "Quick and pleases all the family," says Jono of this cool, colourful canteen in Grand Arcade.

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