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
Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
Georgina Pellant -
11th June 2021 
