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
Legendary Leeds outdoor event space Chow Down to reopen under new ownership
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.
Sophie Smith -
5th September 2022 
