Don't be sad because it's over, smile because it happened...
Yep we know, we're just as sad as you are that the summer is slowly waving us goodbye.
But, here to give it the farewell it truly deserves is the brilliant Tower Works Street Fest that is returning this weekend for the final time of 2025.
The much-loved festival is returning to Leeds from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September, bringing food, drink, music and live entertainment to Leeds’ bustling South Bank.
Image: Supplied
Held in Verona Square, just off Globe Road and seconds away from the station, Tower Works Street Fest has been a highlight of the summer's calendar since April, running every first weekend of the month.
And the September finale promises to be the biggest celebration yet.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of food and drink on offer, from Little Bubble Box’s signature bubble waffles and teas to the award-winning dim sum of Siu Mai Bar and Venezuelan dishes from 7 Star Flag.
Independent bars including Vintrobar, The Reserve Cocktail Bar and Reggae Rum Shack will be serving drinks throughout the weekend, alongside a makers’ market featuring sweet treats, crafts and flowers from local artisans.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There will also be plenty of entertainment, with live music from Danny Charles on Friday evening and Jake Keating on Saturday.
Michael Johnston, Tower Works Street Fest Production Manager, said: “This final weekend is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Visitors can expect incredible food and drink, artisan markets, local musicians and plenty of space to relax. It’s the perfect way to round off the summer in Leeds.”
Louise Larking, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “It’s fantastic to showcase the local traders of Leeds in one setting, as well as inviting people down to the Tower Works scheme to see the permanent businesses there such as Bake and Emba.
"The street fest has been a fantastic addition to the community at the scheme, and I urge people looking for their new business home to seriously consider joining this growing community.”
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.
Clementine Hall -
2nd September 2025 
