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This Leeds bar is hosting a pyjama party to celebrate its third birthday
Think pyjama parties are just for kids? Think again. The Watermark Bar is embracing its inner child - transforming into a huge pillow fort for one night only
Popular neighbourhood bar The Watermark will be transformed into the ultimate pillow fortfor one night only for a pyjama party and it's safe to say we're very excited.
Yes, that's right, the Watermark Bar is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to party in your dressing gown inside their Pillow Fort bar. You absolutely need to be there.
Taking place on Saturday 17 October in honour of its third birthday, the bar has invited guests to join to celebrate three years of making cocktails in Leeds.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest pyjamas or kimonos and join in with the festivities. Pillows and dressing gowns are optional.
Located on Cross Belgrave Street, the bar is known locally for its late night kitchen, cocktails, endless selection of spirits and all-around laid-back vibes.
Sharing photos of the last big night in, the bar reminded customers that although they may appear grown up on the outside there are plenty of moments where they embrace the lighter side of running a bar.
For example, one of their bartenders 'occasionally' refuses to serve drinks in glasses. The solution? We think the photos say it all.
A sneak peak of the atmosphere at the Watermark Bar's birthday event / Image: The Watermark Bar
In their notorious tongue-in-cheek manner, Watermark is promising to 'bring it harder than your grans Christmas jigsaw' after missing out on celebrating the second anniversary of their opening in 2020 because of coronavirus restrictions.
A mighty selection of food is served at the Watermark until the early hours and their birthday bash will be no exception.
Taking post-night-out food to a whole new level, their famed chicken and waffle dish just needs to be ordered before 3 am - a sure delight to anyone that usually craves salt after an evening on the town.
The critically acclaimed bar regularly receives five star reviews, described as 'consistently amazing' by their regular customers for its service, food and drinks.
Inspired by the owner's home bar in Beeston, the interior is cosily decorated throughout, complete with classic board games and quirky wall features.
Previous Watermark Bar Events have been a wild success with regulars and newcomers alike / Image: The Watermark Bar
The owners are so excited about their birthday, they will be giving out awards for the best set of pyjamas - and have even invested in new lighting to enhance the pillow fort come house party ambience. A perfect example of the preparation a grown up pyjama party needs.
There couldn't bar more perfectly suited to host a pyjama party in the city centre and we can't wait to see the event in action.
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
8th October 2021 
