Beer lovers rejoice, because Kirkstall Brewery has announced the triumphant return of 'The Great Exhibition of Grand Ales'.
The heritage-themed beer festival is set to see breweries from across the country compete to win medals in ten categories of historic beer styles.
After last year's huge success, the festival will now run over the course of three days instead of just one.
Held at Kirkstall Brewery itself, the festival will be held across May Bank Holiday Weekend from Friday 3 - Sunday 5 May 2024.
Image: Supplied
Each ticket grants entry to your chosen session, as well as a unique, commemorative glass, programme and first beer token.
Grab an early bird ticket now for the price of just £15 from now until 1 March.
Already confirmed to be pouring pints are local breweries Northern Monk, North and overall champion medal winners Amity Brew Co.
Breweries from further afield, such as London’s The Five Points, Scotland’s Newbarns Brewery and Reading’s Siren Craft Brew will also be in attendance.
Image: Supplied
And it's not just beer, you'll be able to enjoy live music throughout the weekend as well as street food from local favourite Manjit’s Kitchen, Mr D’s Magnificent Pie Machine and Kirkstall’s very own fish and chip shop pop-up.
Chris Hall, Kirkstall’s Brand Manager and organiser of the festival, said: “Last year we established a new kind of beer festival that joined breweries large and small, old and new, to celebrate the innovations in brewing that have occurred throughout our history. Over thirty-five different breweries poured beers inspired by the 20th century, 19th century and even older. One brewer even recreated a Bronze Age Ale!
“This year we wanted to go bigger, and even better, we’ll be pouring an even wider variety of beers so that there really is something for everyone to enjoy, and we’re inviting local spirits and soft drinks brands to be part of the fun, along with great food and live music.”
It's set to be an incredible weekend, and you can grab your tickets here.
Featured image - Supplied
Eats
The hidden Leeds bakery serving giant cheese twists, pickle sausage rolls and chocolate focaccia
This spot in the city is baking up some weird and wonderful creations.
But you'll have to act fast if you want to get your hands on them, as it's only open one day a week for all your doughy desires.
Introducing Fold, a focaccia-focused bakery by the talented team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
Rewind to this time last year and with three restaurants flourishing across Leeds, the team needed a space to bake all their bread and sweet treats in-house to supply to sites.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this is where Fold came in, located underneath the arches of Brussels Street on the outskirts of the city centre - it may take a while to find this spot but once you have, it'll be worth it.
And they're making some of the most inventive bakes that we've seen.
Of course there'll always be a focaccia on offer, with flavours ranging from crispy chilli oil, sesame and spring onion to kimchi, cheese and pistachio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it's not just savoury focaccia, you'll even find gooey chocolate and banana focaccia as well as Biscoff waffle focaccia....yep, seriously.
Elsewhere they specialise in gigantic footlong cheese twists with more crispy bits than soft, as well as chorizo and cheese stuffed sausage rolls and a range of freshly baked bagels for you to go home and smear in your cream cheese of choice.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Some seriously spectacular specials have been the gochujang cookies and the 'pickle roll', basically like a sausage roll but with...pickles.
It seems there's really no boundaries for where these bakes will go, and you can guarantee that every visit will be different than the rest.
Only open on Saturdays from 10am - 1pm, Fold are changing the baking game. Pop in and say hello, you won't be disappointed.
Family-run Thai street food stall made famous in Leeds Kirkgate Market to open brand-new restaurant
Clementine Hall
One of Kirkgate Market's best hidden gems is growing.
If you're a fan of all things Thai then you'll most likely know about Khao Gaeng Thai.
This family-run street food stall is known for its quick-service Thai food at brilliant prices.
They serve everything from zingy papaya salad and crispy chicken with rice to your classic Pad Thai noodles with your choice of protein.
And if you're looking for a hearty meal to keep you full throughout the day then this is the spot, as the portions are absolutely huge.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Much to our excitement, Khao Gaeng Thai has now opened its second site over on Burley Road which has a bigger kitchen plus its own seating area for you to relax and enjoy the food.
Announcing the news to Instagram, they said: "We’re so excited to announce that Khao Gaeng Thai – Thai Kitchen, our SECOND location, is NOW OPEN! And don’t worry — our original Khao Gaeng Thai at Kirkgate Market is staying OPEN as usual!
"Thanks to all the incredible support we’ve received from our customers at Kirkgate Market over the years, we’ve been able to take this exciting next step and open a second Khao Gaeng Thai.
"At our new Thai Kitchen on Burley Road, you’ll find even more dishes, more choice, and a relaxed sit-down restaurant experience — all with the authentic Thai flavours you know and love.
"So now you can enjoy Khao Gaeng Thai at TWO locations in Leeds! Thank you for helping our little Khao Gaeng Thai family grow. We can’t wait to welcome you!"
We couldn't be happier for the team and can't wait to check out their new space.
Clementine Hall -
23rd February 2024 
