The Canary is one of the latest additions to Leeds waterside, and comes with a host of delicious food and drink.
As one of Leeds newest bars, you'd think that The Canary is up for some serious competition- until you see the waterside views, luxurious interior and are welcomed by their accommodating staff.
Sat on the verge of Leeds Docks, opposite Mumtaz Leeds, The Canary is an innovative bar built entirely from shipping containers. Split across two floors, an intimate, cosy space leaves ample room for guests to unwind from a cold wintry day in the city.
The exterior is hard to miss. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Everything from the inviting seats with waterside views to the carefully considered Mediterranean menu speaks of the creative concept behind the bar, which wanted to incorporate as many local products as possible.
Watch the swans laze around in the river whilst sipping on Northern Monk IPA or grab a seat at the bar and chat about God's Own Country whilst supporting the local hospitality scene (which really does need our support after a turbulent Christmas period). Management here are proud to continue to support local suppliers and others within their industry, and this has only continued to drive up the popularity of The Canary.
All the seats come with waterside views. / Image: Canary Bar
If that's not enough to pique your interest, the bar has devised plenty of pub quizzes every Wednesday and live music evenings on Sundays to keep us entertained- and warm, away from the grey skies and freezing temperatures outside.
To drink, there's your Canary Lager and choice of Squareball or Northern Monk IPA, as well as plenty of wines and spirits to choose from, many of which feature on the refreshing cocktail menu.
The Spiced Pear Fizz and a mocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Spiced Pear Fizz is the ultimate twist on a classic gin-flavoured drink. Made from Portobello gin, pear liqueur, lemon, sugar and cardamom seeds before being topped with a slice of lemon, it carefully balances sweet tastes with alcoholic-infusions and it's got us hooked.
For those doing Dry January or that just don't want to have a drink, there's plenty of non-alcoholic options too, including off-the-menu mocktails that can be made upon request. The management here are all too accommodating when it comes to the drinks menu and are clearly committed to helping you find the perfect drink for your stay.
Mocktails are available upon request from the bar. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The food menu carries the same level of consideration and leaves you feeling just as refreshed (forget that post-food coma, you'll just feel incredibly full and satisfied instead). The Mezzes, both meaty and vegetarian come with a fresh Greek-inspired salad with plenty of olives, as well as warm pitta bread, smooth hummus and tzatziki. In addition to these small plates, the meaty version comes with meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, as well as chicken gyros, whereas the vegetarian option swaps the meat out for halloumi strips, butter beans and stuffed vine leaves.
Both the Mezze options come highly recommended. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's plenty more on the menu to choose from though. Think Greek salads, wraps, burgers and mezze, all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives- and all equally as fresh. Even the water for the table comes with lemons, and served in an ice-cold carafe, a far cry from the lukewarm water from other pubs in the nearby area.
Chicken gyros and pitta bread from the Meat Mezze. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for a quiet spot to waste away the afternoon, or want to embrace the hustle and bustle of a winter's evening in a beautiful location, all whilst supporting a whole chain of local businesses, we're sure you'll lose track of time in great company and spend far longer here than you ever intended to.
For more information, including how to book a table at Canary Bar (which is highly recommended at the weekend), visit their website or pop down to Leeds Docks to check it out for yourself.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Sophie Smith -
12th January 2022 
