Chow Down, Leeds answer to outdoor drinking, dining and entertainment is back for 2022- and it's got a facelift.
Running from Easter until September, there's going to be so much to enjoy for 2022 at Temple Arches.
The set from former events, like the 2021 Winter Village, has been taken apart and brought back to life for the 2022 season with some exciting additions.
Image: Chow Down
Opening its doors in just a few weeks time, Temple Arches will host a summer themed haven with a new food village, three-tier sun terrace, DJ huts and more.
A nine-hole alfresco crazy golf course will make an appearance for the very first time for those looking to make a tee whilst sipping on cocktails and pints in the sunshine. Named Palm Swings, this is going to be a chilled-out golfing experience unrivalled in Leeds city centre.
Drag brunch is set to return after an overwhelming successful stint in 2021, with a full host of queens ready to take to the hallowed turf stage and perform drag anthems all afternoon and continue into the night as the sunshine turns to violet skies.
Image: Evie Elliot
Newly-built, 'The Bay' area will host all the music and entertainment at Chow Down. The latest addition to the set will host a musical programme each night with headliners like Greg Wilson, The Cuban Brothers, DJ Paulette, Norman Jay, Shades Collective and Mr Wilsons Second Liners all performing throughout the summer season.
Matt Long, Co-Founder of Chow Down is excited for the return:
"Chow Down is back and we couldn't be any more excited for summer. With our brand new Art Deco concept, we have a host of new additions to our venue and some killer entertainment. We're kicking off our reopening with a huge weekend- 'We Are Fierce' takeover on Good Friday and Norman Jay MBE spinning on Easter Saturday.
"As well as that we've got some exciting acts playing throughout the rest of the season, and legendary festival act, The Cuban Brothers join us to set off the summer vibes".
Image: Evie Elliot
The idea is that each night will host a different genre: Thursday night will be a live band, Fridays are for DJs, then on the weekend Saturdays will see local musical talent on The Bay whilst Sunday will see these swapped for some of the coolest brass bands around.
Of course, Chow Down's foodie line-up is equally as important to Leeds as its musical headliners, and this year, there's plenty of new street food to tempt you over to Temple Arches.
The first seven weeks will welcome Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean food specialists, MorMor take over the food stalls, whilst Sarto, Leeds much-loved pasta and sharers restaurant will bring a one-off menu to Chow Down.Matt
As spring turns to summer, the street food village will add Boro Slice's Detroit-style pizza slices, Holy Mountain's renowned BBQ food, Asada Kitchen's steak and Manchester's favourite parmo spot, Parmageddon will be joining the venue.
Dave Olejnik, Owner of Sarto has said: “Chow Down has been such a fixture on the Leeds hospitality calendar for so long that we jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it! We'll be bringing a version of Sarto for the first seven weeks that features all the favourites people have come to know, as well as new ideas and menu items that will allow people to share and enjoy the spring weather”.
Opening Easter weekend, with bookings on sale Thursday 10th March from 9am: get this one in your diary before tickets sell out.
Image: Evie Elliot
Simon Fogal, Founder of Chow Down has said: “The Winter Village proved the team at New Citizens can pull off an incredible user experience at Chow Down within such space limitations. Spring and Summer will be elevated again, literally. With different levels across the Sunset Club, the Tanqueray Terrace.
"It has me thinking about the sunny days, a few drinks, some golf and incredible food. The Resident Kitchens are back and we can’t wait to see what the chefs come up with through the whole season from".
Chow Down will officially reopen on Thursday 14 April, with opening 4.30pm - 11 pm on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the season. On the weekends, the venue will open 12pm - 11pm on Saturdays and Sunday 12pm - 9pm.
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.
Sophie Smith -
8th March 2022 
