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
Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Sophie Smith -
5th September 2022 
