Releasing never-seen-before footage of the ultimate blanket fort, the bar stated on Facebook that the concept will be returning this Christmas.
The third birthday pyjama party was a huge success for the Leeds-based bar. / Image: The Watermark
Putting a festive spin on the pyjama party, the Christmas closing 'do' will see the bar transformed into a winter wonderland before they close for the Christmas season.
No Christmas party would be complete without the big man in red, and instead of asking Santa to take a break from his shopping centre residencies, The Watermark are dedicated to finding their very own Father Christmas for the occasion.
Anyone is welcome to apply to play Santa Claus, though the bar do state that you'll need to have the 'height and belly' of a traditional santa.
The original founders of The Watermark, celebrating Christmas in 2019. / Image: The Watermark
Other requirements in their hilarious post include 'not minding a bunch of adults sitting on your lap'.
The Facebook post, subtly posted into their pyjama party video stated:
"Spoiler alert, we are bringing the blanket roof back for a Christmas grotto.
"We are on the hunt for the most Santa’y Santa we can find for our Christmas closing party. If you think you have the height and belly for it and don’t mind a bunch of adults sitting on your knee then apply within.
"Grottos are weird and kinda creepy, I’m sure the intention is sound. We will do better. Remember as a kid asking for presents and then getting a box of random plastic?
"Hey, where is my hoverboard Santa and why does your breath smell like cigarettes.
"Also shout out to the Pringles marketing team for putting Merry Pringles on their Christmas edition tubes when they literally had MERRY CRISPMAS or PRINGLE BELLS staring them in the face. A bunch of people got paid for that.
"What a joke. Weekends here, lets get it"
The blanket fort will return, but the giant champagne bottles are yet to be confirmed. / Image: The Watermark
More details are set to be released soon, giving you time to get the next day booked off work and out of any festive plans: trust us, you'll need that recovery day.
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
Sophie Smith -
24th November 2021 
