Seven independent operators have joined forces to install a 50 metre canopy over Merrion street to create the city's largest outdoor drinking area.
Manahatta, MOJO, Verve, Mean Eyed Cat, Roxy Ball Room, Yard & Coop, Zaap Thai and Liv Bar - all located on Merrion Street in the heart of the city centre - are taking part in the new venture, which is set to launch on 12th April in line with 'Step Two' of the government's roadmap for lifting England's current national lockdown.
The inspiration for the idea came from the hugely-successful Merrion Street Festival in the summer of 2020.
The festival saw bar and restaurant operators on the street collaborate for a weekend of live music and great food and drink, and after what has been a long and challenging year for the industry, these venues are eager to reopen once again and welcome back their customers.
With a capacity to seat up to 200 people, the street will be covered entirely by a 50 metre canopy, with each venue offering a selection of their signature dishes, drinks, and unique cocktails.
Laura Morris - Co-Owner of Yard & Coop - said: "Merrion street has some of the area's best party bars and restaurants, all now with plenty of outside seating and professional covering, making it one of the largest covered party areas in Leeds [and] each venue will be showcasing their best drinks, food and good times.
"This is going to feel like being on holiday in the centre of Leeds - every weekend."
Yard & Coop | Flickr
Martin Wolstencroft from Arc Inspiration added: "[We are] delighted to work with the other bars on Merrion Street to create a unique, fantastic destination for all our customers to come together and celebrate the reopening of the superb hospitality Leeds is famous for".
"Everyone on Merrion Street is immensely excited to welcome back all our old friends and guests and finally offer some much-needed relief from the house arrest we've all had to endure." Martin Greenhow - Managing Director of MOJOS - added.
"At last, someone else will make you a drink and take care of the cooking".
The Merrion Street collaboration will launch on 12th April and run up until 17th May, when the hospitality industry will resume normal trade as venues are allowed to open their doors to the public.
From 12th April, operators will trade from Wednesday through to Sunday, and if a success, they plan to make this a regular event and continue the concept during the winter months.
Customers are encouraged to book in advance, but walk-ups will also be welcome.
You can find more information on opening times, menus and bookings via the Merrion Street Festival website here.
Eats
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month
Clementine Hall
A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.
If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.
It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.
And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.
The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're talking our language.
Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.
"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."
They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."
The Hoot -
6th April 2021 
