Leeds brewery Piglove has relaunched its al fresco bar and taproom by the River Aire.
After a turbulent year for the business following the tragic loss of its founder Jesus Moreno, a much-loved member of Leeds' hospitality scene, the craft brewery's pop-up beer garden Piglove by the River is open once again in Hunslet.
The team has introduced some new features and expanded the site to include 'The Sty’, a new indoor drinking space that seats up to 50, and it is running a programme of music and events throughout the summer as well as showcasing local street food traders.
Image: Piglove Brewing Co
Niko's Comfort Kitchen is just one local trader to appear at Piglove by the river. / Image: Piglove Brewing Co
Braford's Gryz pizza has also made an appearance. / Image: Piglove Brewing Co
Known for creating 'eccentric beers for near and far', Piglove describes itself as a 'rebellious' brewery.
With a range of distinctive beers in its collections, its brewers combine the bold flavours of South America with bold ingredients to create what they have described as the 'bravest beer possible'.
Piglove's riverside beer garden has welcomed more than 24,000 customers to date, with a huge 8,000 visitors flocking in since April.
Piglove’s co-founder Marcos Ramirez said: “We are thrilled that Piglove by The River is here to stay at the Climate Innovation District. We are grateful for the support of CITU and the thousands of visitors who have made Piglove a cherished destination along the riverbank.
"Piglove translates in Venezuelan to ‘when you really love something’ and it’s great to see people loving our venue.
"We look forward to creating more memorable experiences for our patrons and continuing to contribute to the incredible community spirit of the Climate Innovation District especially as we have now improved our facilities to keep up with demand and greet customers in the summer and winter months – rain or shine.”
Phoebe Nicol, Development Manager at CITU’s Climate Innovation District, said: “Piglove is now the heart and soul of this community, and the company also aligns with our sustainable ethos and is working towards becoming a carbon-zero business.
"The pop-up bar is the first tenant here at the CID, and this is just the start of us opening more commercial spaces to help us realise our vision of creating a sustainable and connected neighbourhood which revitalises the riverside.”
Featured image - Piglove Brewing Co
Eats
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Georgina Pellant -
21st July 2023 
