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.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
The Hoot -
6th April 2021 
