For the sixth year running, an eclectic mix of rum brands from near and far will once again take over Leeds’ this autumn.
Taking place on Saturday 17 September 2022, Leeds' Corn Exchange is set to host this exciting festival from Rolling Social Events, following the success of sister events, Leeds Whisky Festival and the upcoming Leeds Tequila Festival.
The one-day-festival will see 100 different rums on show, including popular names like Plantation, Takamaka, Nusa Caña, El Dorado and Skipper, as well as new up-and-coming boozy brands too.
The sixth September edition of Leeds Rum Festival is set to be its biggest yet, according to producers.
Rolling Social Events is cementing itself as an events company that prides itself not only on showcasing the best in spirits but putting a spotlight on fun and education. Accompanied by music and entertainment, as well as food, Leeds Rum Festival is a premier all-round experience for rum lovers.
Amongst the exciting rum brands on offer, Nusa Caña, an Indonisian rum "packed full of tropical flavour charged with the attitude and energy of today's Bali" will be sponsoring the occasion whilst returning sponsor Three Cents will be creating mixers inspired by bartenders for bartenders with a fusion of premium sodas to act as the ideal accompaniment for your rum throughout the day-long festival.
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
The swt-up will also feature a Monin Rum bar, where you'll be able to shake up your usual rum concoctions with a range of tropical classic cocktails- each with a twist. Think Piña Coladas, spiced mango rum punches and watermelon daiquiris.
If rum isn't your usual tipple, there's ample opportunity to taste test a range of local craft beers on the day too.
Tickets to Leeds Rum Festival will cost £30 each and include access to all of the 100+ rum brands, as well as the opportunity to partake in several masterclasses, including talks from Satinago de Cuba, Nusa Caña and Speciality brands.
Lee Jones, Rolling Social Events says: “It feels like only yesterday that we were announcing the first Rum Festival and here we are gearing up for our sixth, back once again at Leeds Corn Exchange.
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
"We want to make this year’s festival bigger and better than ever, meaning more rum, more music, more masterclasses and more great street food traders. As ever, the festival is designed around drinking better quality alongside fun and education , and we’re very lucky to be working with another stellar line-up of incredible brands. We look forward to seeing you in September!”
For more information about the sixth annual Leeds Rum Festival at Leeds' Corn Exchange, including how to book your tickets for the event, visit the Eventbrite website.
Feature Image- Supplied (Chapter 81)
Eats
The charming French bistro that’s been a Leeds favourite for over 30 years
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991.
You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.
But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.
Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.
We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.
And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.
Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.
As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?
More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.
This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years.
You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Clementine Hall
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Sophie Smith -
4th July 2022 
