A new Leeds TV-style show focused on local foodies launches today.
Brought to the city by Chapter 81 and Welcome to Leeds, It's being created as a part of Leeds' Digital Food Week - running from Monday 10th May-Sunday 16th May.
With the Prime Minister expected to confirm the new easing of restrictions for Step 3 of the roadmap in a press conference this evening, the timing couldn't be better for the platform launch - which will be putting the focus firmly on some of Leeds' hospitality greats.
Chef and owner of Holy Mountain Kitchen Harry Johns is set to make an appearance as a channel host, chatting to local street food traders and heading out into the suburbs to highlight some of the best finds outside of the city centre.
Meanwhile, local broadcast journalist Beth Parson will head out into town - learning to cook with some of Leeds’ best chefs as she visits the likes of Sarto, Rola Wala, Ox Club, Manjit’s Kitchen and Harvey Nichols.
Digital Food Week
A range of other events will be taking place throughout the week, including lunchtime chats chats ranging from Leeds’ incredible coffee, beer and cocktail culture to the subject of mental health and the recovery of the sector as a whole.
Some of Leeds’ best-known breweries will be taking part, with Northern Monk, North Brew Co and Anthology set to host guided tasting sessions.
There will also be some fun show-and-tells from city favourites Doh Hut, Big Guys Thicc Sauce, Laynes Espresso, Swine That Dines and Spice and Green.
Journalists Johnny I’Anso and Larry Budd are also involved in the project. They'll be telling stories from the Leeds’ food and drink scene to get people excited about going out again, leading up to the planned reopening of indoor hospitality on 17th May.
Each show will end with some of Leeds’ newest musical talent recommended by Music: Leeds.
Speaking about Digital Food Week, founder of Chapter 81, Simon Fogal, said:
“There are so many businesses large and small out there that have taken a huge hit over the past year and we want to shine a light on them and get the people of Leeds excited about going out in the city and helping to kick start their local economy once more.
"We’ll be looking at all elements of the hospitality sector - food and drink, but also advice for anyone wanting to start a hospitality business. With so many businesses taking part in various different ways, the week is set to be one of the biggest collaboration festivals ever.”
Further guests confirmed to appear include chefs Liz Cottam, Rob Hallas and Ben Davy, indie favourites Leeds Beer Tours and Domino Club, the Nationwide Caterers Association, Andrew Cooper (Chief Executive at LeedsBID), Becci Erbillur-Gray (City Centre Project Manager at Leeds City Council), and Escapism Bar Group founder Phil Harrison.
Where to Watch?
People wishing to get involved can register their interest on the website and book a slot.
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Turnstile to play their only UK headline show this year at Halifax Piece Hall
Clementine Hall
Turnstile will headline the Halifax Piece Hall this summer, their only UK headline show.
The Grammy-winning hardcore group have just announced a very special show at historic venue the Halifax Piece Hall.
As part of the venue's huge summer season, Turnstile will take to the stage on Wednesday 26 August marking a whopping 41 shows at the Piece Hall's calendar so far.
The group pulled huge crowds at Glastonbury festival last year and scooped up two Grammy Awards earlier this month, using their platform to thank fans who "swung in the dark" with them.
Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL FRSA, CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, says: “2026 will see Turnstile playing at some of the world’s most iconic festivals and then here in Halifax at UK’s most iconic heritage venue.”
“We always aim to deliver for the full spectrum of music lovers in Calderdale and knowing how passionate our rock and metal community is, this gig will be off the scale – truly unmissable!”
Alongside Turnstile, Halifax Piece Hall will welcome the likes of Hollywood Vampires, Paul Weller, Bowling For Soup, Skunk Anansie, Garbage, Empire of the Sun, Sex Pistols, Mcfly, CMAT and Jimmy Eat World this summer. What a season it's going to be.
Baltimore’s hardcore heroes will head to West Yorkshire to play TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall on Wednesday August 26.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 27 February at 10am, and you can get your tickets here.
Find out more about what's going on at the Halifax Piece Hall this summer here.
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2021 
