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
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Domo
Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.
Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.
Kontrast
84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds. Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.
Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist. With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.
We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.
The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.
Much loved Leeds smokehouse to take over village butcher’s shop in Farsley
Clementine Hall
A popular smokehouse based in Farsley is taking over the beloved village butcher's shop.
If you're a foodie and specifically a lover of all things meat in and around Leeds, then you'll probably be familiar with Farsley Fire and Smoke.
Run by the lovely Ashley and Sarah Turner, Farsley Fire and Smoke started life as a food truck and quickly became a staple for those wanting exceptional BBQ'd meats at their events.
You may have sampled their food at Leeds' Christmas Market last year where hungry shoppers flocked to get a taste of their famous brisket.
And now, the pair are taking on a new challenge and becoming the new owners of the Farsley village butcher's shop.
Announcing the news to their Instagram, here's what they said: "Many of you will already have heard the news, but Sarah and I are incredibly proud to be taking over the village butcher’s shop as Kevin begins a new chapter.
"As Farsley residents ourselves, we know just how important this shop is to the community. That’s why we’ll be continuing the tradition under a new name: Farsley Butchers & Smokery.
"Our aim is simple: to keep everything people love about their local butcher while bringing our own passion for great food to the business. Alongside expertly butchered Yorkshire meats, you’ll find homemade bacon and hams, award-winning smoked produce, BBQ favourites and plenty of new ideas along the way.
"We’re delighted that Nigel and Terry are staying with us. Their knowledge, experience and familiar faces will help ensure the shop remains at the heart of the community.
"We’re sure there will be a few hiccups as we find our feet, but that’s all part of the adventure.
"Most importantly, we’d like to thank Kevin for trusting us with a business that has served Farsley for generations. We know how much the shop means to so many people, and we’ll do our very best to make you proud of its next chapter."
Sophie Smith -
29th September 2022 
