Releasing never-seen-before footage of the ultimate blanket fort, the bar stated on Facebook that the concept will be returning this Christmas.
The third birthday pyjama party was a huge success for the Leeds-based bar. / Image: The Watermark
Putting a festive spin on the pyjama party, the Christmas closing 'do' will see the bar transformed into a winter wonderland before they close for the Christmas season.
No Christmas party would be complete without the big man in red, and instead of asking Santa to take a break from his shopping centre residencies, The Watermark are dedicated to finding their very own Father Christmas for the occasion.
Anyone is welcome to apply to play Santa Claus, though the bar do state that you'll need to have the 'height and belly' of a traditional santa.
The original founders of The Watermark, celebrating Christmas in 2019. / Image: The Watermark
Other requirements in their hilarious post include 'not minding a bunch of adults sitting on your lap'.
The Facebook post, subtly posted into their pyjama party video stated:
"Spoiler alert, we are bringing the blanket roof back for a Christmas grotto.
"We are on the hunt for the most Santa’y Santa we can find for our Christmas closing party. If you think you have the height and belly for it and don’t mind a bunch of adults sitting on your knee then apply within.
"Grottos are weird and kinda creepy, I’m sure the intention is sound. We will do better. Remember as a kid asking for presents and then getting a box of random plastic?
"Hey, where is my hoverboard Santa and why does your breath smell like cigarettes.
"Also shout out to the Pringles marketing team for putting Merry Pringles on their Christmas edition tubes when they literally had MERRY CRISPMAS or PRINGLE BELLS staring them in the face. A bunch of people got paid for that.
"What a joke. Weekends here, lets get it"
The blanket fort will return, but the giant champagne bottles are yet to be confirmed. / Image: The Watermark
More details are set to be released soon, giving you time to get the next day booked off work and out of any festive plans: trust us, you'll need that recovery day.
It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.
And they're just as excited as we are.
Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.
Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.
And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.
"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."
Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.
Look inside MADE as viral matcha spot opens up in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
Leeds’ matcha scene is about to get a serious upgrade, because MADE, the viral Sheffield favourite, is officially ready to open its second site right in the heart of the city.
Taking over a spot on Lower Briggate, the new café lands on Thursday 30 April, and if its Sheffield success is anything to go by, it'll be pretty popular from day one.
Since launching less than a year ago, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space brings something genuinely fresh to the table in Leeds.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s already gained a cult following over in Sheffield.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
Acai bowls at MADE in LeedsInside the new MADE in LeedsMatcha at MADE Leeds
MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), and other grab-and-go bites.
Taking over the former Nice Things unit, the arrival of MADE brings a new energy to Lower Briggate just in time for summer.
And judging by the queues they regularly draw in Sheffield, it’s safe to say Leeds locals are about to become very familiar with that signature green hue.
Sophie Smith -
24th November 2021 
