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.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2021 
