It's official, Chow Down is here to stay - and it's coming back bigger and better than ever.
As the popular street food festival pop-up nears its first birthday, organisers have revealed it will be moving into Temple Arches on a permanent basis. And as part of the new plans, it'll also be launching its own cocktail bar, Tipples.
New Head of Drinks Jake Speakman has put together an eclectic drinks list, featuring the likes of guava and kiwi punch, the Chow Down 'heavy sipper', Ribena margaritas, and white chocolate espresso martinis - all of which sound absolutely incredible to us.
Chow Down has confirmed it will be staying at Temple Arches permanently / Image: Chow Down
The food festival first launched in Leeds last summer, hosting ten successful pop-up weekends that saw a whole host of independent traders bring their tasty street food dishes to Temple Arches.
Returning again in April, it's now set to stay - and is gearing up for a huge birthday celebration starting from July 22 and running through to July 25.
The street food festival now has a permanent home at Temple Arches / image: Chow Down
The four-day birthday celebrations will see the festival bring the likes of the New York Brass Band and The Pigeon Detectives down to Temple Arches, alongside a whole host of other musicians.
Things will kick off with a Futuresound takeover on Thursday night, featuring DJ sets from Low Hummer, Far Caspian and The Pigeon Detectives.
Chown Down is preparing for its first birthday celebrations / Image: Chow Down
The music will continue with the intergalactic house sounds of Man Power on Friday, followed by an appearance from Manchester DJ legend Luke Unabomber. on Saturday night.
Finally, the New York Brass Band will make their triumphant return to Temple Arches on the Sunday afternoon with a live set that is expected to include a brassy rendition of Happy Birthday.
On the food front, there'll be appearance from traders like Torito Taco, MorMor, Wallace and Sons and Little Red Food Cluck. Project D will also join for a special pop-up, bringing along some special Chow Down Birthday donuts for the occasion.
Resident ice cream truck Scoop is always on hand to serve up a tasty dessert / Image: Chow Down
The resident Scoop truck will also be in situ, serving up its indulgent ice-cream treats and brownies.
There will also be live art across the weekend from abstract designer and marker Emma Hardaker, whose bright graphics can be seen in murals and installation pieces across the North.
“This area of Leeds has some amazing plans for the future and we can’t wait to be a part of that," said Chow Down co-founder Matt Long.
Chow Down supports a whole host of independent street food traders with its events / Image: Chow Down
"It's been incredible to see Chow Down grow over the last year, and cement itself as a permanent venue at Temple Arches. Alongside Chow Down, we (New Citizens) have great projects in the Temple area, with Oktoberfest and The Garden Party, so we feel very much a part of this exciting transformation.
"At Chow Down we have looked to support as many independent food traders as possible, and this year to date we have had over 50 vendors trade with us, helping out and actually kickstarting many of the hospitality scenes as we rotate the food as much as possible.
"Our drink supply is very much as local as possible, and is ever-rotating. We are planning some more collaboration brews on the menu for later in the year, after the huge success of our North Brew Co beer this summer.”
Bookings are now open for Chow Down's big birthday bash, to reserve your table click here.
News
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Georgina Pellant -
16th July 2021 
