All this month, we’re looking at Black History Month through a Leeds lens.

We asked Rebecca Benn – the communications health data lead at NHS Digital and the award-winning sauce momma of The Really Nice Food Company – five questions.

What do you love most about Leeds?

I love the independent food scene here in Leeds; it’s so amazing, there’s something to suit every palette. From coffee shops to pop ups, we have some great spaces to showcase our offer and provide the opportunity to discover new cuisines.

If I’m in town, Leeds market is my go-to place to uncover hidden gems. Yummy Sushi bar and Jenny’s Jerk Kitchen are my top picks.

Where’s your favourite place to eat?

Hands down Pinche Pinche in Chapel Allerton. It’s such vibrant space and has been serving up the best Mexican food in Leeds for years. Their Guacamole is the stuff of legends, you can’t go back to supermarket mush once you tried it.

What’s Leeds’ hidden gem?

Roundhay Park, not the main bit but the forest behind, it’s great for a trail run or a sling walk.

What are your predictions for the future of Leeds?

It’s hard to know what the future holds with us being in the middle of the pandemic. What I do see continuing is the investment in technology with big companies like Sky and Channel 4 creating jobs in the city. The only way is up.

Describe Leeds in 3 words

Welcoming. Surprising. Home

Follow Rebecca on Twitter @reallynicefood