Ossett Brewery is set to host the eleventh edition of its huge waterside food, drink and musical Wharfest 11 next weekend.
Taking place at one of Leeds most tranquil city centre spots, by the waterside of Granary Wharf, organisers are promising an unforgettable afternoon of live music between free-flowing drinks and plenty of good food.
Organisers have promised an electric mix of soul, motown, funk, chart and party music from live performers, DJs and a saxophonist each taking the stage at three bar venues down by the waterside.
The free to attend festival will take place across newly-opened Salt Craft + Falafel, The Hop and Archies on Saturday 26 March, with live singers playing out well-loved tunes from 3pm from Salt and The Hope, whereas Archie's will play host to a DJ and saxophonist from 6pm in the evening.
Amongst the musical lineup is Dylan Brierley, an alternative/indie guitarist and singer-songwriter from Leeds; Him & Her Duo, a husband and wife team performing 70s to present day hits on the ukulele, guitar and piano and Sarah Widdup, a wedding performer that does a beautiful rendition of Christina Perry's A Thousand Years.
Also performing at Salt Craft + Falafel is Bangin' Tuesdays a band dubbed "an energetic duo who can perform a huge range of popular upbeat covers guaranteed to get you on your feet".
There’s a whole range of craft beers available to taste, as well as some incredible cocktails on tap. 2 for £12 all day, every day on all your favourite concoctions, as well as quality craft beers on offer and a super speedy service. Think Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martinis and Strawberry Cosmos, amongst other draught options- and we can confirm they taste as good, if not better, than the hand-crafted versions.
Situated to the left of the bar is a nook for all things Falafel Guys where the chefs are serving up chunky grilled halloumi, beautifully flavoured (and presented) pots of hummus, falafels and chicken shawarma.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Over at The Hop, who have one of the best selections of local ales in the north, with plenty of favourites from award-winning brewery Ossett due to be pulled on the day, another four performers are set to jump on the stage and fill the afternoon with plenty of upbeat tunes.
The Dandy Lions, a high energy 'Glam Rock' band will be sharing the stage with Brothers of the Slide, After Party and swinging rock 'n' roll band, Get Back Beats.
The Hop will be serving a small but highly regarded menu of hearty local pies, peas and mash up to help you wash all that beer down.
Down at Archie’s, a live DJ will be dropping a crowd-pleasing mix of soul, Motown, funk, chart and party tunes with a live sax from 6 pm onwards. Known for their calorific pizzas, sides and desserts, this is the spot to soak up all that alcohol and recoup with a spot of sugar.
With free entry and a wealth of activity hitting Granary Wharf next weekend: this really is going to be the best spot in Leeds to hang out with loved ones, pint in one hand and a slice of something good in the other.
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
Popular beer festival showcasing over 35 indie breweries is returning to Leeds this month
Clementine Hall
Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.
Beer lovers, this one's for you.
Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.
The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.
Images: Supplied
Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.
Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.
And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.
Images: Supplied
Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.
"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”
Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
