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.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
A boutique house and disco music festival is coming to the grounds of Harewood House this summer
Clementine Hall
After welcoming around 4,500 attendees in its first year, the intimate house and disco festival is coming back.
Goodlife, held in the beautiful grounds of Harewood House, has fast established itself as one of the region’s most exciting new music events.
After its huge success last year, Goodlife will be back this year even bigger and better than before with a capacity ready to welcome 12,000 festival-goers.
The festival will take place on Saturday 6 June, and the lineup is already stacked.
The Main Stage will host an incredible line up of house music heavyweights including Armand Van Helden, Groove Armada, Alison Limerick, Roger Sanchez and Inner City (Live).
The Downtown Disco Stage will once again bring its signature blend of soulful house to the fields of Harewood House with artists announced including The Shapeshifters, Craig Charles, Michael Gray and Ian Ossia.
This year sees a brand-new stage being thrown into the mix called The Goodlife Tavern that will celebrate Yorkshire’s thriving DJ scene, showcasing local artists and shining a spotlight on regional talent.
Artists performing at The Goodlife Tavern will include Darren Cross, Smudged Soul, Alex Malam, Emiiyuu, Kavita, PJ Gardner and Lee Wright.
Liam Hardy, co-founder of New Vision Events, said: "The response to Goodlife’s first year was incredible and we’ve been stunned by the extremely high demand for tickets for this years’ event so far. We always believed there was room for a dedicated house and disco festival in the region, but the atmosphere and support from the crowd last year completely exceeded our expectations.
“For 2026 we wanted to take things up a notch and create something even better. Introducing a third stage allows us to bring more artists to the festival and showcase some amazing local talent, while the increased capacity means even more people can enjoy the Goodlife experience."
Goodlife Festival takes place on Saturday 6 June and you can buy your tickets here.
Sophie Smith -
5th September 2022 
