A new Leeds TV-style show focused on local foodies launches today.
Brought to the city by Chapter 81 and Welcome to Leeds, It's being created as a part of Leeds' Digital Food Week - running from Monday 10th May-Sunday 16th May.
With the Prime Minister expected to confirm the new easing of restrictions for Step 3 of the roadmap in a press conference this evening, the timing couldn't be better for the platform launch - which will be putting the focus firmly on some of Leeds' hospitality greats.
Chef and owner of Holy Mountain Kitchen Harry Johns is set to make an appearance as a channel host, chatting to local street food traders and heading out into the suburbs to highlight some of the best finds outside of the city centre.
Meanwhile, local broadcast journalist Beth Parson will head out into town - learning to cook with some of Leeds’ best chefs as she visits the likes of Sarto, Rola Wala, Ox Club, Manjit’s Kitchen and Harvey Nichols.
Digital Food Week
A range of other events will be taking place throughout the week, including lunchtime chats chats ranging from Leeds’ incredible coffee, beer and cocktail culture to the subject of mental health and the recovery of the sector as a whole.
Some of Leeds’ best-known breweries will be taking part, with Northern Monk, North Brew Co and Anthology set to host guided tasting sessions.
There will also be some fun show-and-tells from city favourites Doh Hut, Big Guys Thicc Sauce, Laynes Espresso, Swine That Dines and Spice and Green.
Journalists Johnny I’Anso and Larry Budd are also involved in the project. They'll be telling stories from the Leeds’ food and drink scene to get people excited about going out again, leading up to the planned reopening of indoor hospitality on 17th May.
Each show will end with some of Leeds’ newest musical talent recommended by Music: Leeds.
Speaking about Digital Food Week, founder of Chapter 81, Simon Fogal, said:
“There are so many businesses large and small out there that have taken a huge hit over the past year and we want to shine a light on them and get the people of Leeds excited about going out in the city and helping to kick start their local economy once more.
"We’ll be looking at all elements of the hospitality sector - food and drink, but also advice for anyone wanting to start a hospitality business. With so many businesses taking part in various different ways, the week is set to be one of the biggest collaboration festivals ever.”
Further guests confirmed to appear include chefs Liz Cottam, Rob Hallas and Ben Davy, indie favourites Leeds Beer Tours and Domino Club, the Nationwide Caterers Association, Andrew Cooper (Chief Executive at LeedsBID), Becci Erbillur-Gray (City Centre Project Manager at Leeds City Council), and Escapism Bar Group founder Phil Harrison.
Where to Watch?
People wishing to get involved can register their interest on the website and book a slot.
Courteeners have just announced a UK tour including a date at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena.
The indie rock legends have just confirmed that they're heading back out on tour, and of course they'll be returning to Leeds.
The news comes alongside an announcement for a best-of album, God Bless The Band.
Courteeners will be playing the Leeds First Direct Arena, London’s Alexandra Palace, Cardiff Utilita Arena, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, Glasgow OVO Hydro and Birmingham Utilita Arena this autumn.
That comes in addition to their existing live shows this summer, which include an almighty outdoor summer show at Wythenshawe Park.
Courteeners have also released a new single, The Luckiest Man Alive.
£1 + VAT from every ticket sold will be donated to the newly launched LIVE Trust, a new funding initiative from LIVE that will offer much-needed financial support to those working across live music.
“It’s fantastic to see Courteeners supporting the LIVE Trust with a £1 per ticket contribution on their upcoming tour, building on their commitment for the Wythenshawe Park show in August,” said Jon Collins, CEO of the LIVE Trust. “This donation will directly benefit the full grassroots ecosystem – from venues and artists to promoters and festivals – helping to protect, expand and support grassroots music across the UK.”
Speaking about the release, Liam Fray says “In October it’s 20 years since our first gig, so with a couple of new songs fresh from the studio, the timing just seemed right for a Best Of. If we mean half as much to people as they have done to us over the years, then we’ve not done too bad. We look forward to seeing you down the front God Bless The Fans x”
Newly Announced Courteeners Arena Dates
Fri 06 Nov Leeds, First Direct Arena
Sat 07 Nov Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Fri 13 Nov Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Sat 14 Nov London, Alexandra Palace
Fri 20 Nov Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Sat 21 Nov Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday 15 April. General sale from Friday 17 April from ticketmaster.co.uk and gigsandtours.com.
Additional Summer Shows already announced:
Thu 23 Jul Stoke-On-Trent, Victoria Hall (sold out)
Sat 25 July Sheffield, Tramlines (festival headline, sold out)
Thu 27 Aug Leicester, O2 Academy (sold out)
Sat 29 Aug Manchester, Wythenshawe Park (sold out)
A modern Mexican restaurant made famous in Manchester is opening in Leeds city centre next week
Clementine Hall
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2021 
