A food, drink and music festival is taking over a Leeds carpark this summer, bringing rooftop parties feat. the city's most exciting DJs and food vendors to the Merrion Centre.
Called Multistories, it's pulling in chefs like Matt Healey (former Masterchef) and The Savvy Baker to serve up tasty treats, accompanied by eclectic beat selections from some of Leeds' finest local DJs.
From eight storeys up, guests will get the chance to sample Matt Healy's all-new 'Tapas Xperience'and tuck into Savannah Roqaa's sweet lockdown bakes whilst soaking up some sunshine and enjoying expansive views across the city.
More food vendors are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Kicking off on 25th June, the space will have room for up to 350 guests at one time. The event takes a leaf out of Manchester and London's books, taking empty industrial or commercial spaces and repurposing them for creative events.
''Hospitality has taken some blows over the past 12 months, to say the least, and so Multistories was born to kickstart the industry in Leeds, encourage greener social space and celebrate some of the amazingly talented independents in the city," said Arron Fishwick, co-founder of Xperience Partners.
‘’Socialising in a car park may raise the odd eyebrow up north, but it’s a tried and tested concept in London that’s been growing exponentially for the best part of a decade. Level 8 will not only allow for some unrivalled views of the city, but some of the absolute best food and drink you’ll find in the UK.’’
‘’We’re honoured to be working with the likes of Matt Healy, the Savvy Baker, and can't wait to reveal more big names as they are confirmed. With everyone fed up with lockdown, we're hoping 2021 is going to be the much-needed summer of love we've all been craving. We can't wait to see the people of Leeds join us to make some lifelong memories.''
Multistories will operate from 4-10pm on Fridays, and between 12-10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can book tables for Multistories online to drink and dine in parties of up to six.
Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday 11th June and can be purchased via the website.
Find it at Level 8 CitiPark in the Merrion Centre.
Eats
Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Georgina Pellant -
11th June 2021 
