A intriguing looking street food van selling ‘low & slow’ smoked BBQ meats has appeared outside Trinity shopping center in Leeds.
For the next few weeks, it'll be home to Jimmy Mack's street food kitchen selling wraps filled with 12-hour hickory-smoked beef brisket, 6-hour Birria lamb leg, and 14-hour maple-smoked pork collar.
These come topped with a selection of homemade salsas, pickles and sauces, plus extras and sides like loaded fries and Southern-fried boneless chicken thighs.
Converted from an old Peugeot J7, the street food van is a new part of Trinity's food lineup, joining permanent offerings Archie’s, Pho, Rola Wala, Tortilla, Pizzaluxe, Absurd Bird and Doner Shack.
The van's food offering will change every six to eight weeks, with the likes of poutine heroes Spuds n Bros, Thai kitchen Sri Non and burger bad boys Wagyu Lookin’ At? also lined up fpr a stint there this summer.
Chef James with friend pictured outside the newly-installed food van / Image: Jimmy Mack's
For the month of June, though, it's all about BBQ here wit York-based chef James Mackenzie in situ for the next few weeks.
Wraps here are dipped in meat juices, crisped up and then topped with melted cheese and house sauces and sides. All come served with a pot of special 'pit gravy' for dipping, too.
There's also a pulled BBQ oyster mushroom for vegans, served with deep-fried crispy onion, charred corn salsa and chipotle mayo.
Jimmy Mack’s is a relatively new concept, devised by chef James based on his own experiences of travelling and cooking for clients around the world.
He's previously worked as a chef to the rich and famous, at chalets in the Alps and on luxury yachts in France, Italy, and Croatia.
Speaking on the new project, he said: “After years of working in kitchens, it was time to do my own thing! I want to create tasty food that I love and bring something a little different to the street food scene.
“The street food van is such a great opportunity for chefs like myself, one that is original and isn’t offered anywhere else. I am looking forward to joining Trinity Kitchen and serving up some great food.”
Find Jimmy Mack's at Trinity from 1st-20th June. Find out more and view the menu on their website.
Eats
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd June 2021 
