The Corn Exchange is bringing back the one-stop for all your festive needs- and it all kicks off this Friday.
The first Christmas markets have arrived in Leeds, and there really isn't a better place to grab a hot boozy drink, a bite from some of Leeds' most exciting new chefs, and shop for presents from some of Leeds' best independents.
Rolling Social Events, the team behind the known-and-loved Leeds Rum Fest and Leeds Tequila Fest, have been grafting away in preparation to take over the basement floor of Leeds Corn Exchange for seven weeks of festive fun.
Christmas is fast approaching and luckily for us, Rolling Social Events, the brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest, Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market.
Kicking off on Friday 11 November, the beautiful space will be filled with a whole host of festivities to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.
There'll be something for everyone to get involved in, with masterclasses, bars and games set to raise the roof in true festive style. Not only that, but an incredible feast of rotating food and drink will also reside in the lower ground level of Leeds most iconic building.
Image: Leeds Corn Exchange
The space will seat around 200 people and will feature a tasting room, a main bar area and food traders. Not to mention a whole host of stalls for you to stock up on your Christmas presents, sellers from Mahogany Market and Indie Makers will be there plus all the amazing retail already in Leeds Corn Exchange.
After you've done all your shopping you'll definitely need a little pick me up, so head to the festive bar for salted caramel espresso martinis, hot toddies and a selection of draft from Camden Town Brewery.
Get into the Christmas spirit with live music from local artists including The Pretend Beatles, Matt Baxter and Hayley Gaftarnick. Sing along and tap your foot to seasonal favourites with Lucy’s Pop Choir and Joy Choir.
Image: Supplied
This year the market has teamed up with local favourites, The Dijon Boys, who will be serving up an alternative Christas menu inspired by the classics. Think braised ox cheek stew with polenta mash and braised red cabbage, embutido stuffing sandwiches with sauerkraut and gravy, and harissa spiced winter veg pastilla.
Cameron Sohel from Dijon Boys said, “The past few months have been really busy for us and we were just about to start our next project when Lee approached us, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So many Christmas menus are the same everywhere you go - we wanted to put our distinctive Dijon Boys twist on it - we’re all about big, punchy flavours. I think we’ve really done that with this menu.”
Image: Supplied
Leeds' premier independent wine specialist, Latitude Wines will be providing the perfect pours to match. They'll also be hosting masterclasses in the experience room, talking guests through a range of speciality spirits including Filey Bay whisky and Woodford Reserve bourbon.
In addition to the kitchen residency from the Dijon Boys, a rotation of independent food traders will be bringing their goods including sandwich specialists Don’t Feed the Dog and Middle Eastern Street Food stand Shouk.
A spokesperson fromLeeds Corn Exchange said: "We are delighted to welcome the Christmas Market back to Leeds Corn Exchange for a second year. As a champion for independent retail, we're excited to support even more small and local businesses this holiday season.
"Rolling Social brought the party to the Corn Exchange last year, so we're really looking forward to indulging in more festive fun this Christmas."
The market will be open Friday to Sunday from 11:30am to 8pm, kicking off from Friday 11 November for seven festive weeks. To find out more, take a look at their website.
Feature image - Supplied(Chapter 81)
News
A Leeds-based theatre company are spreading awareness on the aftermath of spiking
From nights out to trips to the beach, Rebel Roots Theatre Company's latest production explores how spiking can change lives and why young people need to hear its message.
Imagine heading out with your mates, having what should be a brilliant night, only for one decision to change everything.
It's an uncomfortable thought, but it's one that Leeds-based Rebel Roots Theatre Company is bringing to the forefront with Aftermath, a play written by Lottie Burns that explores the devastating impact of spiking on individuals and their families.
At the centre of the story is Layla, a young woman preparing to leave home for university, and her father, David, who must confront the realities of women's safety as his daughter prepares to start a new chapter.
But Layla isn't the only one affected. Her brother Ethan is also spiked by his own friends during a trip to the beach, opening up another side to a conversation that often focuses predominantly on women.
His experience challenges the assumption that spiking is exclusively a women's issue, highlighting how men can also become victims, sometimes at the hands of people they trust. It raises important questions about male friendships, peer pressure and the way harmful behaviour can be dismissed as a joke.
Written by Burns while studying at Leeds Conservatoire, the play was inspired by growing concerns about spiking in 2021 and the way these fears were changing women's experiences of nights out.
Through Layla, Ethan and their father, David, Aftermath looks beyond the incident itself to explore its wider consequences, from damaged relationships to the difficult conversations that follow.
And it's exactly why this production deserves to reach young people in colleges and universities.
For many, heading to university means newfound independence, making new friends and experiencing student nightlife for the first time. Taking Aftermath into educational settings could help open young people's eyes to the realities of spiking, encouraging conversations around consent, trust, peer pressure and supporting those affected.
Rather than simply telling students to watch their drinks, the production offers an opportunity to understand the human consequences through a story they can connect with. It could also challenge audiences to reconsider their own behaviour and recognise when something that seems like a joke can have serious consequences.
The project has also received support from anti-spiking organisation CounterSpike. Rebel Roots Theatre Company is passionate about taking theatre beyond traditional venues, bringing new writing and important stories into pubs, community spaces and other accessible settings.
Ultimately, Aftermath is about more than one night out. It's about trust, family and the lasting impact of experiences that can affect anyone.
And if bringing this story into a college or university helps even one young person rethink their actions or better understand what someone else might go through, it's a conversation worth having.
We’re sure this production will enjoy another run thanks to its important message and core values. But if you want to catch it for yourself, you can see it this Saturday, 24 October, at The Attic in Leeds. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, starting at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss out.
Featured image - Supplied
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
The Hoot -
10th November 2022 
