A huge waterfront festival is coming to Leeds at the end of June, bringing with it old skool house, disco and dancefloor classics, and super-fresh beers from West Yorkshire breweries like Kirkstall and Magic Rock.
The Brewery Wharf Waterfront Festival is one of Leeds' most popular and is set to return with a bit of a bang after taking a year off in 2020.
The festival will nod to local independents who have had to adapt and change their offerings due to the pandemic. It is also free to attend.
Street food and drinks will be provided by the likes of Bastard's Bistro and Doh Hut, offering up a mix of fried chicken delights, sweet doughy treats and booze aplenty - with all bars serving from Cafe 212's terrace.
As well as super fresh beer from some of Yorkshire's best breweries, there'll also be some cocktails on offer from Black Tears Rum.
On the music side, legendary Leeds DJ ALex Simmons will be headlining, joined by singer Lauren G who featured on their recent lockdown album and will be performing some tracks on the day.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Alex said" "After a year of DJing over live streams and recording in the studio, I have rediscovered my passion for music and cannot wait to perform to a live audience.
"Post-COVID is such an exciting time for everyone but more so for people working in the leisure and entertainment industry – it's been a long time, and I cannot wait to get back out there!
Headline act Alex Simmons and Lauren Green (Lauren G)
"On the day, I'll be performing with singer Lauren Green (Lauren G), bringing you the best in old skool house, disco and some dancefloor classics!"
There will also be live music from the Doghouse Derelicts, and eclectic DJ sets from Wes Stakes, Hatty Lovehearts, Scott Broadhead, Gina Moretti, Keith Gillot and Wallop Resident DJ's - as well as two very special performances from Dance House, a talented Leeds based dance studio.
This year's theme is all about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs after a tough year, with the majority of the food, drink, music and entertainment on offer all from the local area - but organisers also want to give something back to the community that's supported them through this tough time.
“It's been a long, challenging year, particularly for the small independent businesses in the area, but we have survived, and we are back bigger and better than before," said Mark Williams, co-owner of Café 212 and one of the Brewery Wharf Festival organisers.
"The people who live and work around Brewery Wharf have shown us immense support over the lockdown period; we have had to adapt to survive; however, we have, and now it's our chance to celebrate, give back and put on the party of the year."
Taking place on Saturday 26th June from 12-9 pm, those heading down can look forward to a great spread of food and drink as well as some cracking entertainment throughout the day.
Eats
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
