Food & Drink

Leeds’ most famous pub has announced the return of its annual FREE Beer Festival this summer

Beer tastes better up north!

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 27th May 2026

Whitelock’s Ale House has announced the return of its annual Beer Festival - hoorah!

There’s nothing quite like a nice fresh pint, and we all know Whitelock’s Ale House know how to pour a good one.

So it's with great glee that we can fill you in on their upcoming Beer Festival which will be returning to the iconic festival from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026.

The four-day festival will celebrate the best of independent brewing in Leeds, with beers sourced exclusively from local breweries.

Featured breweries will include Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology, Amity Brew Co. and more.

Known as the oldest pub in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House has long championed independent beers and local brewing culture.

Image: Supplied

This year’s festival aims to spotlight the strength and diversity of the city’s brewing scene, with the tagline 'Beer tastes better up north!'

Beer will be pouring throughout the weekend across Whitelock's Ale House and The Turk's Head, with further brewery announcements and festival details set to be shared in the coming weeks via their Instagram.

The best part? Entry to the festival is completely free.

Talking about this year’s festival, General Manager Beth said: “Beer has always been at the heart of Whitelock’s, so this felt like the right year to celebrate both the breweries on our doorstep and the city we’ve called home for more than 300 years.

"Leeds has a brilliantly strong independent beer scene right now, and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the best breweries the city has to offer across the weekend.”

You can find out more about Whitelock's Ale House and their fabulous Beer Festival here via their website. Cheers to that!

Read more: North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate

Featured image - Supplied

Food & Drink

North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.

Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.

North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.

They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.

One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.

Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.

Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.

Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.

"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”

Fancy it? Us too, we'll see you there.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Food & Drink

Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.

We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.

The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.

So, what's going to be different?

Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.

Image: Supplied

The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.

Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.

There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.

Image: Supplied

Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”

“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."

To find out more, check out their website.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

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