The Canary Bar on Leeds Dock is the perfect hangout spot for the end of summer.
Whether the sun is shining and the sangria is flowing, or the cosy autumnal nights are setting in with chilled evenings with a breeze by the docks, The Canary Bar has set themselves up perfectly to accommodate the changing of the seasons.
Having recently extending the kitchen has allowed the small bar to introduce a range of exciting small plates options to the menu and whilst the Greek Mezze style sharing boards now removed from the menu will be well-missed, the new foodie options here are the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer.
Canary Bowl. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're talking about eight different tapas style dishes, and then there's a further eight mains to choose from too- each of which is just as tasty as the next.
Think Spanish marinated olives and guac with homemade nachos and pico de gallo to wet your appetite, with generous portions of Poco Nachos with jalapeños, cheese, guac, salsa and plenty of sour cream, with the added option of braised beed, chipotle chicken or pulled pork as extra toppings.
Patatas Bravas. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Meanwhile, there's Albónigas Picantes, homemade meatballs with peppers, garlic and chilli all baked in a rich tomato sauce; Patatas Braves with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli, and even options like crispy fried halloumi or Jalapeño Poppers to choose from.
Grab a couple of these and wind down from a day in the city on quiz night (Wednesdays) from 7.30pm and take on the questions of the week, or make the most of the quiet weekends in the cosiest part of the city with live music every Sunday from local musicians.
There's larger main plates for those looking for some serious food options and don't want to share (or want larger portions to divide up).
There's Mexican classics like Tacos with a choice of braised beef, chipotle chicken, al pastor pork, or roasted vegetable medley, in two soft tortillas, topped with slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, and served with spicy fries and salad- with extremely generous portions, plus there's similar toppings as a burrito or Taco especial, which is served with spicy wedges instead.
Braised beef tacos. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Canary Bowl is an all-round crowd pleaser that serves up either chipotle chicken or a veggie medley with Mexican rice and beans, plus an avocado salad, slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo and topped with sour cream.
If that's not enough, there's Chile De Carne, and classic salad options like chicken caesar or halloumi and avocado to choose from too.
To check out the new Spanish-inspired menu from Canary Bar, visit the website or head over to the striking canary yellow shipping container and grab yourself a seat inside, you won't miss it.
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Popular holiday company launches new ‘Beckham Clause’ for feuding families
Emily Sergeant
A popular package holiday company has launched a new ‘Beckham Clause’ to help protect feuding families.
It's official… family fallouts are now holiday-proof, thanks to a new ‘Beckham Clause’ that’s been launched by a Manchester-based travel company On The Beach in the wake of the ongoing – and at this point, inescapable – Beckham family feud.
In case you need bringing up to speed, then allow us to (briefly) sum up the Beckham family drama for you as best as possible.
Basically, at the centre of this discourse the eldest Beckham child, Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, and primarily his mum Victoria, although as the months have gone on, it appears there’s no member of the Beckham family that isn’t somewhat involved (okay, maybe not Harper… well at least not publicly, anyway).
Image: Natalya Zaritskaya (via Unsplash)
Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn had become estranged from his family, and had told his parents to contact him only through lawyers.
And then yesterday, of course, Brooklyn publicly spoke out about the accusations on his Instagram Stories for the first time ever… and all hell broke loose in the celebrity news world.
On the Beach’s new clause – officially titled the Family Fallout Refund, and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses – aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer, as it applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown.
Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.
Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities, every year hundreds of holiday bookings need amending due to feuds, On The Beach said, which is why it’s chosen to launch the new refund scheme.
“We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach.
“The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool.
“Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”
The Family Fallout Refund is available on family holidays with five or more people, and needs to be claimed at least 60 days before departure.
It applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August 2026.
Sophie Smith -
5th September 2022 
