Ten years ago Manjit’s Kitchen started with a single tweet: “who would like home-cooked Punjabi food delivered to their door?”
From humble beginnings in a home kitchen to winning street food awards and taking over two permanent sites in Leeds, the vegetarian Punjabi street food business has been slowly and carefully built up to become the beloved institution it is today.
Led by some true street food pioneers, Manjit's Kitchen was behind some of Leeds' early street food events in the city - and was one of the first traders to set up in both Trinity Kitchen and Kirkgate Market food hall.
It's still run by co-founders Manjit Kaur and Michael Jameson today, and the duo has seen the restaurant progress far in the past ten years.
Progressing from a little domestic kitchen to a street food pop-up, Manjit's also had a stint as a traveling horsebox food van before moving into its permanent site at Kirkstall Market.
Following that long journey. they also went on to acquire their first brick-and-mortar restaurant - picking up awards, acclaim, and tens of thousands of online followers along the way.
The eatery is one of Leeds' best success stories, and now as they reach this huge milestone co-founders Manjit and Michael are looking to celebrate with a host of collaborations, events, special items and tap take overs throughout September and October.
Teaming up with other members of Leeds’ outstanding food and drink scene, collaborations include a newly-released beer made especially for Manjit's Kitchen with Leeds brewer Hosforth and some planned kitchen takeovers from other street food operators - not to mention some top-tier tap takeovers with some of Leeds and Yorkshires most exciting independent breweries.
Alongside its 10th anniversary beer, the restaurant is also running a special Kirkstall lunch menu.
Speaking on the momentous anniversary, founder Manjit Kaur said:
"To be 10 years into Manjit’s Kitchen honestly just feels amazing. I’m so proud of what we’ve built up together over the years!
"To look back now at what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve been through, the people we’ve employed and brought into our lives is a really incredible thing.
"We’re really lucky to have this big group of people who have stuck with us through thick and thin and so we’re looking forward to celebrating with everyone over the next little while!
"We’re working hard on bringing some great people into the kitchen, our friends at Horsforth Brewery have created an amazing Manjit’s 10 beer - just doing what we’ve always done really, working hard with good people to create something we’re proud of”
To keep up with the 10th birthday celebrations follow Manjit's Kitchen on Instagram here.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
8th September 2021 
