The outdoor food and drink venue have sadly announced that they will be closing their doors permanently as of next week.
One of Leeds’ most talked about open-air bar concepts has just announced that they are sadly closing down.
The team have said that due to the cost of living crisis, the business is no longer sustainable to run.
Their last day trading will be on Sunday 6 August, but after that Chow Down will be departing from Temple Arches.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Temple Arches venue served punters of Leeds fantastic food and drink throughout the seasons, and we are absolutely heartbroken to see it go.
Many will remember the fantastically chaotic drag brunches, the delicious array of food on offer and look back on nights watching the sun go down through the arches with fond memories.
A statement from the Chow Down team read: "It’s with very heavy hearts we announce Chow Down will be closing its doors for summer on Sunday 6th August and departing from Temple Arches.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"What started out as a 10 week pop-up in response to the Covid restrictions of summer 2020, morphed into a three year successful residency and became a key event destination in Leeds. However, unfortunately after being impacted by the cost of living crisis, changing consumer behaviour for food and drink offerings and increases in all costs involved with running a temporary site, the business is sadly not sustainable to continue in its current format.
"We have achieved so many things at the current site, including helping to support the regeneration of the Temple district alongside our partners and site developer CEG, who we are hugely grateful to for giving us the opportunity to launch Chow Down and hope to work together again on fresh concepts for Temple Arches in the future."
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The statement continued: "While this is the end of Chow Down in its current guise, we are exploring new city centre opportunities and aim to relaunch a new concept in Leeds in the near future.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to our team, traders, DJs, performers, contractors, and most importantly our lovely loyal customers for supporting us. It would mean the world to us if you could join us for the last ever two weekends at Temple Arches for a final cocktail, beer, dance and some top notch scran. Chow for now, CD team xx"
The Top 50 gastropubs in the UK have been revealed, and it’s safe to say we’re well and truly spoilt here in Yorkshire.
This year’s prestigious Estrella Damn Gastropubs awards, also known as the ‘pub Oscars’, took place this week - and a whopping six Yorkshire pubs have made it onto the list.
Coming in at number 5 is The Star Inn (Harome, North Yorkshire), a critically acclaimed Michelin-star pub that has had a turbulent few years after burning down in 2020 and reopening only in late 2021.
This certainly hasn't stopped the pub winning numerous accolades since, and it's not hard to see why with when it's described as "the perfect country pub" by the prestigious awards.
Coming in just behind at number six is The Angel (Hetton, Skipton), praised for its "pub food reimagined in a cosy environment that looks out across stunning landscapes."
At number 12 is The Abbey Inn (Byland, North York Moors), the third venue from The Great British Menu' winner and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.
This spot also won Sustainable Pub of the Year for 2025, so it's safe to say its scooping up the accolades left, right and centre.
Coming in at number 30 is the one we're most excited about it has to be said, The Highland Laddie is our very own city centre pub that has taken the foodie world by storm since it opened back in May last year.
Having just received a glowing review from Jay Rayner and bagging the Good Food Guide's Best Pub in Britain for 2025, this is a spot we're very proud to have in our city.
The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, Yorkshire) has been placed at number 31 where guests can dine on "hearty and moreish dishes only, cooked from the heart."
And finally for our delicious county, at number 49 is The Shibden Mill Inn (Halifax, Yorkshire), which has held a spot on the list since 2020 and also snapped the title of Best Pub for Food at the 2022 Great British Pub Awards.
A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.
Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.
And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.
Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.
Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.
Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!
"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!
"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"
At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.
We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.
Clementine Hall -
27th July 2023 
