Rainbow Junktion is the middleman that intercepts food waste and turns ingredients into delicious, healthy meals for the community that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Hidden in Hyde Park is one of the most generous community schemes in Leeds. Aiming to reduce food waste and food poverty, Rainbow Junktion offers a delicious range of fresh produce and warm meals on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
With a prestigious five stars glowing on their TripAdvisor, Rainbow Junktion are a firm favourite with Hyde Park residents and it's their ongoing events and hospitable staff that keep the pop-up restaurant alive and fresh.
"A hidden Hyde Park gem. This is the most wholesome foods and atmosphere. The staff and volunteers are happy to attend to your needs and you can bring your own wine."
The way it works is the non-profit intercept food that's about to be wasted and saves it from going in the bin. Their hashtag '#FeedBelliesNotBins' emphasises their belief that food is not distributed equally and this is a real cause of food poverty in the UK.
The menu at Rainbow Junktion changes daily based on the ingredients saved from being wasted. / Image: Rainbow Junktion, TripAdvisor
The popular community cafe state that: "Some people calculate that we produce 150% of our food requirements globally.
By intercepting waste and using it to feed people on a Pay As You Feel basis we aim to reduce food poverty without taking away people’s pride".
So to bring Leeds together in a non-judgemental space, the volunteer-led team create delicious healthy meals available to purchase on a pay-as-you-feel basis. By using intercepted ingredients, the cafe has a sustainable business model that helps people and the planet with respective interest.
This avoids any discriminations and brings the community together without the feeling of 'us' and 'them'. Located at All Hallows' Church every Monday and Thursday, a three or four course menu is devised based on the donations given each week.
The 'Food for Thought' event in 2019 was designed to bring Hyde Park residents together at the Rainbow Junktion. / Image: Rainbow Junktion, TripAdvisor
The team are conscious to appeal to all taste buds and cater to all dietary needs, so the menu is made up of predominantly vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Rainbow Junktion also ensure that every Friday they provide users with affordable zero waste food for the weekend. Their foodshare project also runs from All Hallows Church, as well as plenty of one-off community events.
The glowing TripAdvisor reviews suggest that the cafe truly has something for everyone:
"I've been coming here for over a year now, and the food is amazing. every day they are open there is a different menu, so you never get bored.
The volunteers are lovely and so kind and welcoming It truly is an amazing place, and there's lots of event that happen here too, like trapeze lessons and Late night dinners on some fridays."
All meals are prepared and served by volunteers. / Image: Rainbow Junktion, TripAdvisor
To get your pay-as-you-feel foodie fix, head over to All Hallows Church in Hyde Park on a Monday or Thursday before 3pm and receive your three course meal.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
19th November 2021 
