Seven independent operators have joined forces to install a 50 metre canopy over Merrion street to create the city's largest outdoor drinking area.
Manahatta, MOJO, Verve, Mean Eyed Cat, Roxy Ball Room, Yard & Coop, Zaap Thai and Liv Bar - all located on Merrion Street in the heart of the city centre - are taking part in the new venture, which is set to launch on 12th April in line with 'Step Two' of the government's roadmap for lifting England's current national lockdown.
The inspiration for the idea came from the hugely-successful Merrion Street Festival in the summer of 2020.
The festival saw bar and restaurant operators on the street collaborate for a weekend of live music and great food and drink, and after what has been a long and challenging year for the industry, these venues are eager to reopen once again and welcome back their customers.
With a capacity to seat up to 200 people, the street will be covered entirely by a 50 metre canopy, with each venue offering a selection of their signature dishes, drinks, and unique cocktails.
Laura Morris - Co-Owner of Yard & Coop - said: "Merrion street has some of the area's best party bars and restaurants, all now with plenty of outside seating and professional covering, making it one of the largest covered party areas in Leeds [and] each venue will be showcasing their best drinks, food and good times.
"This is going to feel like being on holiday in the centre of Leeds - every weekend."
Yard & Coop | Flickr
Martin Wolstencroft from Arc Inspiration added: "[We are] delighted to work with the other bars on Merrion Street to create a unique, fantastic destination for all our customers to come together and celebrate the reopening of the superb hospitality Leeds is famous for".
"Everyone on Merrion Street is immensely excited to welcome back all our old friends and guests and finally offer some much-needed relief from the house arrest we've all had to endure." Martin Greenhow - Managing Director of MOJOS - added.
"At last, someone else will make you a drink and take care of the cooking".
The Merrion Street collaboration will launch on 12th April and run up until 17th May, when the hospitality industry will resume normal trade as venues are allowed to open their doors to the public.
From 12th April, operators will trade from Wednesday through to Sunday, and if a success, they plan to make this a regular event and continue the concept during the winter months.
Customers are encouraged to book in advance, but walk-ups will also be welcome.
You can find more information on opening times, menus and bookings via the Merrion Street Festival website here.
Eats
Much-loved West Yorkshire cafe announces closure after heartbreaking health diagnosis
A popular cafe and bake house in West Yorkshire has announced it will close at the end of the month, after its founder received a devastating diagnosis.
Lucy's Little Bake House in Halifax has shared the 'very difficult news' that it will be closing its doors in just a few weeks' time.
Founder Lucy Chapple told followers that she has sadly been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
She now plans to step away from the business so that she can 'focus all of my time and energy on treatment and being with my beautiful family'.
Lucy's Little Bake House has been flooded with messages of support ever since sharing the news this week.
Lucy wrote that she will 'always be deeply grateful for every order, every visit, and every kind word' received since launching the cafe.
She was first diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer a little over a year ago, and ever since has been sharing symptoms and warning signs to raise awareness, encouraging people not to ignore any signs that don't feel right.
Announcing the imminent closure of Lucy's Little Bake House, she wrote: "Hi everyone, After a lot of thought, I need to share some very difficult news. News which I never wanted to share.
"Lucy's Little Bake House will be closing its doors at the end of April. This is because I've recently been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel c-ancer
"I need to step away from the business and focus all of my time and energy on treatment and being with my beautiful family.
"Our last day will be Thursday 30th April. Before then we are open as usual so please come and see us. I would love to see you!
"Running this business and serving our Gorgeous customers for the past 7 years has meant the world to me. Your support, kindness, and loyalty over the years have helped make Lucy's Little Bake House so special, and I will always be deeply grateful for every order, every visit, and ever kind word.
"Thank you for supporting my small business and for being part of this incredible journey. With so much love and gratitude, Lucy XXX
"P.S. Please please share this post so I can reach as many customers as possible"
We've got a few weeks left before Lucy's Little Bake House closes for good, so head over to Dean Clough and show them some support.
Beloved local bakery set to expand with a new Chapel Allerton cafe
Daisy Jackson
Bluebird Bakery, a firm favourite for freshly-baked loaves and cakes in Leeds, has announced it's opening a brand new cafe.
The much-loved local business has been trading out of Kirkgate Market for almost a decade, selling hand-crafted loaves and loads of other beautiful bakes.
Bluebird Bakery already has locations dotted all around Yorkshire, including in York (where founders Al and Nicky Kippax launched the business from their kitchen table), Beverley, and Holmfirth.
And now they've announced big plans for a second location here in Leeds, setting their sights on Chapel Allerton.
The Bluebird Bakery team said they hope the 'West Yorkshire appetite for our loaves and cakes will continue into this vibrant suburb'.
They're taking over a site on Stainbeck Lane, where we'll all be able to tuck into bread, cakes and pastries, plus coffees from Roost Coffee.
And there'll even be outside seating at the new Bluebird Cafe too.
Bluebird Bakery is expanding with another Leeds cafeBluebird Bakery currently operates from Kirkgate Market in Leeds
Sharing the news on Instagram, they wrote: "Big news. We are thrilled to announce that we are opening a shop and cafe in Chapel Allerton this summer.
"We love our Leeds Kirkgate Market shop and we hope the West Yorkshire appetite for our loaves and cakes will continue into this vibrant suburb, which is full of independent businesses like ours.
"We’ll be based on Stainbeck Lane where there’ll be both inside & outside seating, brilliant @roost_coffee and all the bread, cakes and pastries Chapel Allerton can eat!
"We’re recruiting soon - so do keep an eye on our socials if you’re a brilliant barista, an experienced cafe assistant or a hands-on supervisor.
The Hoot -
6th April 2021 
