It’s official, Chow Down is here to stay – and it’s coming back bigger and better than ever.
As the popular street food festival pop-up nears its first birthday, organisers have revealed it will be moving into Temple Arches on a permanent basis. And as part of the new plans, it’ll also be launching its own cocktail bar, Tipples.
New Head of Drinks Jake Speakman has put together an eclectic drinks list, featuring the likes of guava and kiwi punch, the Chow Down ‘heavy sipper’, Ribena margaritas, and white chocolate espresso martinis – all of which sound absolutely incredible to us.
The food festival first launched in Leeds last summer, hosting ten successful pop-up weekends that saw a whole host of independent traders bring their tasty street food dishes to Temple Arches.
Returning again in April, it’s now set to stay – and is gearing up for a huge birthday celebration starting from July 22 and running through to July 25.
The four-day birthday celebrations will see the festival bring the likes of the New York Brass Band and The Pigeon Detectives down to Temple Arches, alongside a whole host of other musicians.
Things will kick off with a Futuresound takeover on Thursday night, featuring DJ sets from Low Hummer, Far Caspian and The Pigeon Detectives.
The music will continue with the intergalactic house sounds of Man Power on Friday, followed by an appearance from Manchester DJ legend Luke Unabomber. on Saturday night.
Finally, the New York Brass Band will make their triumphant return to Temple Arches on the Sunday afternoon with a live set that is expected to include a brassy rendition of Happy Birthday.
On the food front, there’ll be appearance from traders like Torito Taco, MorMor, Wallace and Sons and Little Red Food Cluck. Project D will also join for a special pop-up, bringing along some special Chow Down Birthday donuts for the occasion.
The resident Scoop truck will also be in situ, serving up its indulgent ice-cream treats and brownies.
There will also be live art across the weekend from abstract designer and marker Emma Hardaker, whose bright graphics can be seen in murals and installation pieces across the North.
“This area of Leeds has some amazing plans for the future and we can’t wait to be a part of that,” said Chow Down co-founder Matt Long.
“It’s been incredible to see Chow Down grow over the last year, and cement itself as a permanent venue at Temple Arches. Alongside Chow Down, we (New Citizens) have great projects in the Temple area, with Oktoberfest and The Garden Party, so we feel very much a part of this exciting transformation.
“At Chow Down we have looked to support as many independent food traders as possible, and this year to date we have had over 50 vendors trade with us, helping out and actually kickstarting many of the hospitality scenes as we rotate the food as much as possible.
“Our drink supply is very much as local as possible, and is ever-rotating. We are planning some more collaboration brews on the menu for later in the year, after the huge success of our North Brew Co beer this summer.”
Bookings are now open for Chow Down’s big birthday bash, to reserve your table click here.
