One of Leeds' best loved outdoor bar spaces is back for the winter months, and bringing some seriously exciting new additions to the line-up.
Bringing together indie food trucks, live music, boozy bingo and the sports of the season, Chow Down's Winter Village is returning in all of its glory- and you'll have a full eight weeks to get yourself down there.
Opening on Thursday 10 November, many a cosy winter night will be spent tucked inside the tipis or watching the World Cup inside the brand new beer hall.
To keep warm, grab a seat by the fire pit, heaters and take a snug, boozy hot chocolate or soothing mulled wine in hand and join your nearest and dearest to cheers to the wintry season ahead.
Image: Chow Down
There's going to be plenty to get involved in too. We're talking the return of the ever-popular drag brunches, as well as Bingo Lingo, comedy nights, a Christmas-themed dog social and the big pub quiz to round off the year with Chow Down Quizmass.
But that's only just the beginning. Given that this festive season is bringing us the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the very first time, Chow Down will be taking full advantage of the showings and allowing those looking for a boozy football experience to watch the games in the Hutte Bavarian Beer Hall.
The atmosphere here will be electric. Expect Huge screen and sound system, steins and beer selection, street food, heaters, table service and pre-match anthems for every single England and Wales match, plus all games from the quarter final onwards.
Match day or not, the rest of the Winter Village will continue to offer some of the most exciting food and drink options throughout the full eight weeks.
The resident kitchen takeovers will be made up of winter warmers from Bastards Bistro and The Middle Feast, with tasty sweet treats from The Savvy Baker filling diners between drinks.
Image: Chow Down
If that's not enough, the rotating traders and open fire cooking will come from a vast range of Leeds' favourite street food vendors. Burger favourites Meat Stack will make their Chow Down debut whilst Luigi Street Food will serve up delectable slices.
Mans Market will be taking their Chinese cuisine to the next level with their pop-up truck, and names like Bento Box, Heffe Mojo, Tikka Chance on Me, Little Red Food Cluck! Oi Dumplings, Sabroso Street, Eat Like a Greek, Niko's Comfort Kitchen, Korean Grub Club, Hoi Polloi Street Kitchen, and Igloo Pizza will ensure nobody leaves hungry, no matter your foodie preference.
Stu Butterworth, one of Chow Down's founders is excited about the new season: “After a hugely successful debut Winter Village last year, we’re back for 2022 with a revamped venue full of exciting changes. After consumer feedback and the ongoing cost of living crisis, entry will now be free for the vast majority of our 8 week run, with events such as drag brunch, our World Cup screenings and headline DJs such as Norman Jay still ticketed.
"We’re once again super excited to bring an array of incredible festive food, drinks and entertainment to the centre of Leeds this Christmas and we’re looking forward to getting festive with everyone from November onwards”
Chow Down will open from Thursday 10 November 2022 until New Years Eve, with bookings open from Tuesday 4 October 2022.
Feature Image- Chow Down
News
Successful Sheffield charity walk returns to Meadowhall to support people living with dementia
Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.
After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.
The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.
The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.
As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.
Image: Supplied
Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.
After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.
.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.
Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.
Image: Supplied
The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.
Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.
"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
Image: Supplied
Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.
“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”
Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds for dementia care across Sheffield.
Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.
Sign up by midnight on Thursday 30 July.
Featured image - Supplied
News
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
Clementine Hall
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Sophie Smith -
29th September 2022 
