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
North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Clementine Hall
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
