Meanwood is about to get a new neighbourhood cocktail bar, as cocktail aficionados Number 8 plan their move into the area.
Previously located over in Manchester at the independent urban village Hatch, Number 8 has made quite a name for itself across the Pennines with its fun takes on classics, all made using premium ingredients.
They made quite a name for themselves there over the course of two years, serving up some interesting and tasty concoctions such as their 'Mangoes to Salford', made with Salford Rum gold spiced, mango purée, freshly squeezed lime and a dash of maple syrup.
They also served a popular selection of classics, including bloody marys and espresso martinis - which we are sure will also make a reemergence here in Leeds.
No 8 at its former home at Hatch / Image: Number 8
The cocktail bar left the Bruntwood food and drink development last year during the pandemic, along with all the other independent drink traders- some of whom were actually evicted from their shipping container units, only to be replaced with lookalike bars.
It was certainly a tough time for lots of independent small hospitality businesses last year, but now it seems that things are on the up. They're definitely looking good for the guys behind Number 8, who've secured the former Hungry Bear unit on Stonegate road.
Number 8's new home in Meanwood, in the former Hungry Bear site / Image: Number 8
Currently, the site's a work in progress but there already seems to be quite a lot of excitement with plenty of followers already commenting asking when the new bar will be open.
In the meantime, the team has been sharing pictures of the renovation work to give followers some behind the scenes insights as to what to expect from the new bar when it's finished.
Currently, there's lots of exposed brick on display and some large sash windows to let in plenty of light.
A classic espresso martini created by the team at Number 8 / Image: Number 8
Sharing the news on their Instagram, the team said:
"WE’RE RELOCATING!
"After months of searching for the perfect spot, Number 8 has a permanent new residence in the vibrant suburb of Meanwood, Leeds.
"Our affable staff (and handsome bar dog, Frank) can’t wait to recommence serving up tasty cocktails, great music & good times… with a few new tricks up our sleeve 🍴.
Resident pooch Frank, who was often to been seen hanging out in the old bar / Image: Number 8
"We look forward to welcoming new faces and old (for anyone venturing over the Pennines)…
"Updates to follow…Watch this space
"Meanwood, we can’t wait to call you home!"
We for one are certainly very excited to see them open over here, we're sure they'll make a great addition to the Leeds food and drink scene.
To keep up with more updates from the team ahead of their launch in Meanwood, follow them on Instagram here.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
