The Smithfield is finally here - and we're pleased to report that it's every bit as special as you were hoping.
This newcomer to Leeds has taken over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades.
The team's transformation of the site started with a paint job - probably the most-talked-about paint job in the city - taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red.
That move immediately won over fans of The Reliance, with one person writing: "Seems the team here held the Relly in high regard and rightly so! Hopefully they can recapture some of its magic."
But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, is setting out to mix up relaxed hospitality with simple dining.
It's all about connection - to seasonal food, to the heritage of the building, and to the community that will make connections here.
Co-founder Steve Dawson outside The SmithfieldThe Reliance has been reborn as The SmithfieldWayward WinesThe dining room
If you're wondering what sort of things will be on the table, allow us to enlighten you.
There are sharing plates like grilled leeks on romesco, pigs head croquettes (a must-order), and whipped cods roe with radishes, all served on charming mismatched plates.
The bigger dishes include a comically massive pie for sharing, packed with chicken, leek, and tarragon. It's a mighty thing, especially paired with their crispy-edged chips.
You can also order a whole wild Cornish seabass for a real feast, or a fantastic beef sirloin with wild garlic butter.
There's a fantastic selection of natural wines from Wayward Wines, as well as (unsurprisingly) great beers.
Steak, pie, and charred leeksA spread of the plates at The SmithfieldSticky toffee puddingThe Smithfield has taken over the old The ReliancePigs head croquettes with gribicheThe chicken and tarragon sharing pieA sharing pie and chips at The SmithfieldBeef sirloin with wild garlic butter, and purple sprouting broccoli with ricotta and mintWild Cornish seabass with kohlrabi, fennel, and chervil - plus an orange wine from Wayward WinesThe Smithfield is now open
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, and his business partner chef James Donovan, were drawn to the old The Reliance site and are seizing the opportunity to contribute to the area's dining legacy.
While Steve's focus is on creating a social meeting point, James will focus on the casual, social dining, taking inspiration from the building's reputation as a cutting-edge gastro pub.
They'll be sourcing seasonally and locally, with menus that will change with the seasons.
The space itself inside is still familiar - those huge windows are the stars of the show, with the bar still standing centrally, while the dining room at the back is stripped-back and simple overlooking the open kitchen.
It's very early days for The Smithfield - they're just out of their soft launch period and gearing up for their first 'proper' weekend.
On their soft launch period, they wrote: "We were so grateful to welcome friends, neighbours, and the Leeds hospitality community to The Smithfield. Seeing the bar and dining room full after weeks of cleaning, painting, and graft has truly made it all worth it.
"A huge thank you to everyone who came along, showed their support, and has made this journey possible. Not least the Kitchen and bar teams, whose incredible service has kept the plates coming and the drinks flowing."
We feel pretty confident in saying Leeds will be very proud to have The Smithfield in our city.
Chow Down, a huge open-air event space in Leeds, is set to reopen this autumn for a whole new era.
The popular site will relaunch as BAR Events Leeds, kicking things off with a month-long Oktoberfest celebration.
Chow Down was a hugely popular hangout in the city, from summer beer garden pints to cosy winter cocktails - but closed its doors for good back in 2023.
Now, it's set to reopen as a brand-new venue, from the team behind BAR Events UK.
Situated just a 10 minute walk from Leeds train station, the new venue will be home to a giant teepee beer hall, complete with live Oompah bands, authentic German street food, a huge bar with two-pint steins of beer, and a lively festival atmosphere.
And with tickets priced at just £5, it'll be one of Leeds' most accessible seasonal events.
The Oktoberfest celebrations will run Thursday to Sunday throughout October, kicking off on Friday 2 October - but they've said that Oktoberfest is just the beginning.
There's a calendar of themed pop-up events in the works year-round, as well as operating as a private-hire venue.
Owner of BAR Events UK and BAR Events Leeds, Dan Lakin, said: "I've been running events for decades, and BAR Events UK has now been creating memorable experiences for over 11 years.
"During that time we've delivered thousands of weddings, festivals, corporate events and private celebrations across Yorkshire and beyond.
The old Chow Down will reopen in Leeds this autumnThe outdoor space will reopen with a huge Oktoberfest celebration
"I'd been looking for the right venue where we could create something permanent, hosting regular public events as well as private functions.
"I never expected to find such an incredible open space right on the doorstep of Leeds city centre, and when this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
"Oktoberfest is just the start. We've got lots of exciting ideas planned for the site over the coming months, and we're looking forward to creating a venue that people return to again and again.
"Whether it's a night out with friends, a corporate event or a private celebration, we hope BAR Events Leeds becomes somewhere the city can really enjoy."
The venue will open to the public on Friday 2 October then run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout, with one session on Thursdays and Fridays and two sessions each Saturday and Sunday - tickets are on sale now via Skiddle.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Daisy Jackson -
17th April 2026 
