Rum Sampling, spirit masterclasses, pop-up shop, street food, 100+ brands, a daiquiri competition- and that's just the beginning for Leeds Rum Festival 2022.
For the sixth year running, an eclectic mix of rum brands from near and far will once again take over Leeds’ this month.
Taking place on Saturday 17 September 2022, Leeds' Corn Exchange is set to host this exciting festival from Rolling Social Events, following the success of sister events, Leeds Whisky Festival and the upcoming Leeds Tequila Festival.
The one-day-festival will see 100 different rums on show, including popular names like Nusa Caña, who will be sponsoring the festival, Plantation, Takamaka, , El Dorado and Skipper, as well as new up-and-coming boozy brands too.
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
The sixth September edition of Leeds Rum Festival is set to be its biggest yet, according to producers.
Rolling Social Events is cementing itself as an events company that prides itself not only on showcasing the best in spirits but putting a spotlight on fun and education. Accompanied by music and entertainment, as well as food, Leeds Rum Festival is a premier all-round experience for rum lovers.
Amongst the exciting rum brands on offer, Nusa Caña, an Indonisian rum "packed full of tropical flavour charged with the attitude and energy of today's Bali" will be sponsoring the occasion whilst returning sponsor Three Cents will be creating mixers inspired by bartenders for bartenders with a fusion of premium sodas to act as the ideal accompaniment for your rum throughout the day-long festival.
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
The set-up will also feature a Monin Rum bar, where you'll be able to shake up your usual rum concoctions with a range of tropical classic cocktails- each with a twist. Think Piña Coladas, spiced mango rum punches and watermelon daiquiris.
And if that isn't enough, for the first time in Leeds Rum Fest history, a speed daiquiri competition will allow guests to make their own daiquiri at the Monin stand- with a Monin cocktail kit for the winner.
If rum isn't your usual tipple, there's ample opportunity to taste test a range of local craft beers on the day too.
Tickets to Leeds Rum Festival will cost £30 each and include access to all of the 100+ rum brands, as well as the opportunity to partake in several masterclasses, including talks from Satinago de Cuba, Nusa Caña and Speciality brands.
Lee Jones, Creative Director at Rolling Social Events is excited about the return of the festival: "It’s been great to see Leeds Rum Fest grow year on year and become part of the ‘don’t miss’ events for people in the city. It gets better every time that we do it and 2022 is no exception. With over 100 different samples, it’s our biggest selection yet. Rum is a great spirit - there’s an expression for everyone and always something new to explore.
"It was important to us that we bring rums from all kinds of producers and give a platform for the smaller/indie brands to showcase what they do - not just the big hitters
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
"We want to make this year’s festival bigger and better than ever, meaning more rum, more music, more masterclasses and more great street food traders. As ever, the festival is designed around drinking better quality alongside fun and education , and we’re very lucky to be working with another stellar line-up of incredible brands. We look forward to seeing you in September!”
For more information about the sixth annual Leeds Rum Festival at Leeds' Corn Exchange, including how to book your tickets for the event, visit the Eventbrite website.
Feature Image- Supplied (Chapter 81)
News
Inside Leeds’ newest late night bar dedicated to Guinness and gaming
Get ready for plenty of craic at Leeds' brand-new bar.
If you like Guinness and you've got a competitive spirit, then we can guarantee this is the spot for you.
Introducing Love Jackie, your newest late night destination that is officially opening in Leeds next Thursday 12 November.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, Love Jackie has taken over a 7,000 sq ft space and promises proper prints, late nights, live music, and plenty of Irish charm.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pouring is undeniably the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
These are also served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
They'll be opening next Thursday just in time for the festive season, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
How to spend a day in Hillsborough, one of Sheffield’s best-loved neighbourhoods
Clementine Hall
Venture out of the city centre to Hillsborough and allow us to plan your day.
We all know Hillsborough for its stadium, as well as its park which holds Sheffield's own Tramline festival and other events across the year.
But there's more to the neighbourhood then that, with its own bustling high street that's bursting with independents waiting to welcome you in.
So - you've just got to S6, here's what you're going to do...
Grab a coffee from Depot Bakery
Coach House, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Images: The Sheff
You can't start a day of exploring without getting a healthy dose of caffeine in your system, and Depot Bakery is the best spot for it.
Established in 2014, this artisan bakery serves up beautiful bakes and fabulous coffee, all on the doorstep of Hillsborough Park which, coincidentally, brings us onto our next activity...
Have a wander around Hillsborough Park
Images: The Sheff
Okay, I know we said that the suburb had more to it than its park, but you can't go without having a gander through the greenery, right?
Grab your coffee to-go, have a mooch and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air. There's also a play area if you're bringing the little ones too.
Grab some lunch at Frenzy
94 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
After all that walking and mooching you'll have most definitely worked up an appetite, and Frenzy is a great spot for a light bite.
This Mediterranean-inspired cafe serve everything from toasted focaccia sandwiches and salads to topped yoghurt bowls loaded with fresh fruit.
Explore Middlewood Road
Images: The Sheff
Time for some shopping, and Middlewood Road is Hillsborough's own little high street full of independent shops that are perfect for perusing.
A highlight is the gorgeous Hillsborough Bookshop that is proudly indie and bringing a specially curate collection of colourful, inclusive and representative books to S6.
Enjoy dinner at The Orange Bird
78 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
This is not only one of our favourite restaurants in Hillsborough, but it's one of our top spots in the whole of Sheffield.
Known for serving irresistible South African flavours, this place is just that little bit special and everything you order will be a big hitter amongst the table. Their lamb served on a bed of hummus is quite literally one of our death row dishes.
Sophie Smith -
7th September 2022 
