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.
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
8th September 2021 
