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.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
8th March 2022 
