Ossett Brewery is set to host the eleventh edition of its huge waterside food, drink and musical Wharfest 11 next weekend.
Taking place at one of Leeds most tranquil city centre spots, by the waterside of Granary Wharf, organisers are promising an unforgettable afternoon of live music between free-flowing drinks and plenty of good food.
Organisers have promised an electric mix of soul, motown, funk, chart and party music from live performers, DJs and a saxophonist each taking the stage at three bar venues down by the waterside.
The free to attend festival will take place across newly-opened Salt Craft + Falafel, The Hop and Archies on Saturday 26 March, with live singers playing out well-loved tunes from 3pm from Salt and The Hope, whereas Archie's will play host to a DJ and saxophonist from 6pm in the evening.
Amongst the musical lineup is Dylan Brierley, an alternative/indie guitarist and singer-songwriter from Leeds; Him & Her Duo, a husband and wife team performing 70s to present day hits on the ukulele, guitar and piano and Sarah Widdup, a wedding performer that does a beautiful rendition of Christina Perry's A Thousand Years.
Also performing at Salt Craft + Falafel is Bangin' Tuesdays a band dubbed "an energetic duo who can perform a huge range of popular upbeat covers guaranteed to get you on your feet".
There’s a whole range of craft beers available to taste, as well as some incredible cocktails on tap. 2 for £12 all day, every day on all your favourite concoctions, as well as quality craft beers on offer and a super speedy service. Think Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martinis and Strawberry Cosmos, amongst other draught options- and we can confirm they taste as good, if not better, than the hand-crafted versions.
Situated to the left of the bar is a nook for all things Falafel Guys where the chefs are serving up chunky grilled halloumi, beautifully flavoured (and presented) pots of hummus, falafels and chicken shawarma.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Over at The Hop, who have one of the best selections of local ales in the north, with plenty of favourites from award-winning brewery Ossett due to be pulled on the day, another four performers are set to jump on the stage and fill the afternoon with plenty of upbeat tunes.
The Dandy Lions, a high energy 'Glam Rock' band will be sharing the stage with Brothers of the Slide, After Party and swinging rock 'n' roll band, Get Back Beats.
The Hop will be serving a small but highly regarded menu of hearty local pies, peas and mash up to help you wash all that beer down.
Down at Archie’s, a live DJ will be dropping a crowd-pleasing mix of soul, Motown, funk, chart and party tunes with a live sax from 6 pm onwards. Known for their calorific pizzas, sides and desserts, this is the spot to soak up all that alcohol and recoup with a spot of sugar.
With free entry and a wealth of activity hitting Granary Wharf next weekend: this really is going to be the best spot in Leeds to hang out with loved ones, pint in one hand and a slice of something good in the other.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
