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Inside the new Leeds waterfront bar made entirely from shipping containers
The Canary bar is a brand new addition to Leeds Dock. Housed inside striking yellow shipping containers, you'll find some gorgeous local produce inside
Complete with waterside views, live music and mulled wine, this new Mediterranean bar on Leeds Docks is a must-visit.
One of the latest bars to enter the Leeds foodie scene, The Canary is described as a 'welcoming social hub serving up locally brewed beers and spirits'.
Its name and bright yellow exterior, meanwhile, nods to Yorkshire's mining history and the birds' special place in it.
The shipping container venue comes complete with a fully stocked bar, all-day Mediterranean menu and stunning waterside views.
Split across two floors, an intimate, cosy space leaves ample room for guests to unwind from a cold wintry day in the city.
The Canary prides itself on serving locally brewed beers, including this one from Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk / Image: The Canary Leeds Open just in time for Christmas. / Image: The Canary Leeds
Being the new kid on the block usually means it takes some time to gain regular punters but The Canary has quickly settled into life in Leeds, and even started to bring the evenings alive with pub quizzes and live music since its official opening on Friday 3 December.
Locally brewed beers, spirits, and signature cocktails are all part of the experience here- and the management is proud of their ability to support other local businesses, whilst providing excellent hospitality.
There are two bars to serve drinkers, whilst the all-day menu focuses on combining healthy eating with comfort treats.
Think Greek salads, wraps, burgers and mezze, all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives.
Wraps, burgers, hummus and more are all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives. / Image: The Canary Leeds You'll find Greek salads, mezze and more on the menu / Image: The Canary Bar Leeds
For those looking to escape the mundanity of the office or are in need of flexible workspace, the Canary has got you covered. Serving coffee throughout the day and local brews all night, there's USB plugs aplenty, free WiFi and a warm atmosphere that can provide that creative light bulb moment you've been searching for.
If you'd rather bring the whole team, in or out of working hours, indoor booths for between six and eight guests are available to book online.
This private dining experience can also be booked for family and friends wanting their own intimate space, situated just moments away from the main bar.
The upstairs dining area can be booked for events, along with a private balcony. / Image: The Canary Bar LeedsIt looks just as charming at night, lit up across the water / Image: The Canary leeds
Speaking on the new opening, Chris Delaney, Manager of The Canary, shared his excitement around the opening of the new project and its Leeds Docks location.
He said: "Leeds Dock is such a great area of the city and we believe a venue like this will be a fantastic addition to it. Over the past few months we have been talking with local businesses, residents and workforces to make sure that the offering reflects their preferences.
"[I] hope that we'll become the go to spot for food, drink and socialising year round".
For more information, visit the Canary website or head over to Leeds Dock and find the new bar for yourself, in its canary yellow, we doubt you'll struggle to find it.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
15th December 2021 
