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Inside the new Leeds waterfront bar made entirely from shipping containers
The Canary bar is a brand new addition to Leeds Dock. Housed inside striking yellow shipping containers, you'll find some gorgeous local produce inside
Complete with waterside views, live music and mulled wine, this new Mediterranean bar on Leeds Docks is a must-visit.
One of the latest bars to enter the Leeds foodie scene, The Canary is described as a 'welcoming social hub serving up locally brewed beers and spirits'.
Its name and bright yellow exterior, meanwhile, nods to Yorkshire's mining history and the birds' special place in it.
The shipping container venue comes complete with a fully stocked bar, all-day Mediterranean menu and stunning waterside views.
Split across two floors, an intimate, cosy space leaves ample room for guests to unwind from a cold wintry day in the city.
The Canary prides itself on serving locally brewed beers, including this one from Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk / Image: The Canary Leeds Open just in time for Christmas. / Image: The Canary Leeds
Being the new kid on the block usually means it takes some time to gain regular punters but The Canary has quickly settled into life in Leeds, and even started to bring the evenings alive with pub quizzes and live music since its official opening on Friday 3 December.
Locally brewed beers, spirits, and signature cocktails are all part of the experience here- and the management is proud of their ability to support other local businesses, whilst providing excellent hospitality.
There are two bars to serve drinkers, whilst the all-day menu focuses on combining healthy eating with comfort treats.
Think Greek salads, wraps, burgers and mezze, all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives.
Wraps, burgers, hummus and more are all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives. / Image: The Canary Leeds You'll find Greek salads, mezze and more on the menu / Image: The Canary Bar Leeds
For those looking to escape the mundanity of the office or are in need of flexible workspace, the Canary has got you covered. Serving coffee throughout the day and local brews all night, there's USB plugs aplenty, free WiFi and a warm atmosphere that can provide that creative light bulb moment you've been searching for.
If you'd rather bring the whole team, in or out of working hours, indoor booths for between six and eight guests are available to book online.
This private dining experience can also be booked for family and friends wanting their own intimate space, situated just moments away from the main bar.
The upstairs dining area can be booked for events, along with a private balcony. / Image: The Canary Bar LeedsIt looks just as charming at night, lit up across the water / Image: The Canary leeds
Speaking on the new opening, Chris Delaney, Manager of The Canary, shared his excitement around the opening of the new project and its Leeds Docks location.
He said: "Leeds Dock is such a great area of the city and we believe a venue like this will be a fantastic addition to it. Over the past few months we have been talking with local businesses, residents and workforces to make sure that the offering reflects their preferences.
"[I] hope that we'll become the go to spot for food, drink and socialising year round".
For more information, visit the Canary website or head over to Leeds Dock and find the new bar for yourself, in its canary yellow, we doubt you'll struggle to find it.
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.
The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.
It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.
We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.
Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
Sophie Smith -
15th December 2021 
