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.
Leeds’ matcha scene is about to get a serious upgrade, because MADE, the viral Sheffield favourite, is officially ready to open its second site right in the heart of the city.
Taking over a spot on Lower Briggate, the new café lands on Thursday 30 April, and if its Sheffield success is anything to go by, it'll be pretty popular from day one.
Since launching less than a year ago, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space brings something genuinely fresh to the table in Leeds.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s already gained a cult following over in Sheffield.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
Acai bowls at MADE in LeedsInside the new MADE in LeedsMatcha at MADE Leeds
MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), and other grab-and-go bites.
Taking over the former Nice Things unit, the arrival of MADE brings a new energy to Lower Briggate just in time for summer.
And judging by the queues they regularly draw in Sheffield, it’s safe to say Leeds locals are about to become very familiar with that signature green hue.
The North Leeds Food Festival returns for 2026 and special anniversary edition
Danny Jones
The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.
We're getting hungry just thinking about it.
Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.
We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.
Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.
Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.
Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.
Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "We’ve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."
Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...
The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.
It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s
Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".
There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.
Scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 10am and wrapping up on the following (10 May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.
Sophie Smith -
24th November 2021 
