A huge waterfront festival is coming to Leeds at the end of June, bringing with it old skool house, disco and dancefloor classics, and super-fresh beers from West Yorkshire breweries like Kirkstall and Magic Rock.
The Brewery Wharf Waterfront Festival is one of Leeds' most popular and is set to return with a bit of a bang after taking a year off in 2020.
The festival will nod to local independents who have had to adapt and change their offerings due to the pandemic. It is also free to attend.
Street food and drinks will be provided by the likes of Bastard's Bistro and Doh Hut, offering up a mix of fried chicken delights, sweet doughy treats and booze aplenty - with all bars serving from Cafe 212's terrace.
As well as super fresh beer from some of Yorkshire's best breweries, there'll also be some cocktails on offer from Black Tears Rum.
On the music side, legendary Leeds DJ ALex Simmons will be headlining, joined by singer Lauren G who featured on their recent lockdown album and will be performing some tracks on the day.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Alex said" "After a year of DJing over live streams and recording in the studio, I have rediscovered my passion for music and cannot wait to perform to a live audience.
"Post-COVID is such an exciting time for everyone but more so for people working in the leisure and entertainment industry – it's been a long time, and I cannot wait to get back out there!
Headline act Alex Simmons and Lauren Green (Lauren G)
"On the day, I'll be performing with singer Lauren Green (Lauren G), bringing you the best in old skool house, disco and some dancefloor classics!"
There will also be live music from the Doghouse Derelicts, and eclectic DJ sets from Wes Stakes, Hatty Lovehearts, Scott Broadhead, Gina Moretti, Keith Gillot and Wallop Resident DJ's - as well as two very special performances from Dance House, a talented Leeds based dance studio.
This year's theme is all about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs after a tough year, with the majority of the food, drink, music and entertainment on offer all from the local area - but organisers also want to give something back to the community that's supported them through this tough time.
“It's been a long, challenging year, particularly for the small independent businesses in the area, but we have survived, and we are back bigger and better than before," said Mark Williams, co-owner of Café 212 and one of the Brewery Wharf Festival organisers.
"The people who live and work around Brewery Wharf have shown us immense support over the lockdown period; we have had to adapt to survive; however, we have, and now it's our chance to celebrate, give back and put on the party of the year."
Taking place on Saturday 26th June from 12-9 pm, those heading down can look forward to a great spread of food and drink as well as some cracking entertainment throughout the day.
Eats
Award-wining Leeds sandwich shop Silver’s Deli to open neighbourhood bakehouse
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
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 the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
