Cult Wing is opening today in the Merrion Centre and they are giving away a free pint of beer to the first 30 customers.
Fried wings, craft beers and tequila flights, Leeds’ Merrion Centre is about to get an exciting new foodie spot that promises to bring flavours aplenty to the city centre.
Named Cult Wing, the new dining space isn’t your average fried chicken joint. Celebrating freedom and raw individuality, the highly anticipated new opening is kitted out with bags of style through the funky decor, style of service and even the restaurant’s menu.
Guests have the opportunity personalise their own chicken wings to their own desired spice level (from mild to extra hot) as well as testing out unique flavours like ‘Rock Chick Chipotle’, ‘BBQ Bones’ and ‘Skulldive Herb’- all of which give an idea of the cool rock and roll aesthetic expected from the new restaurant.
Image: Cult Wing
If this sounds up your street then act fast, because they are giving away free beer to their first 30 customers on their opening date, Wednesday 12 October 2022.
So get yourself down to the Merrion Centre from 12pm for an ice-cold pint of the good stuff whilst you take a look at the new restaurant. Make sure to try some wings whilst you're there as well, it would be rude not to.
Image: Cult Wing
If wings aren't your thing then don't worry, as it’s not just chicken wings on offer, though there will be plenty of those to choose from. The menu also encompasses an impressive variety of gourmet burgers, double-coated crunchy fries.
And it's not just food, the punk-inspired restaurant is set to bring customers in day and night with a wide variety of drinks. Expect craft beers, themed cocktails and flavoured tequila, available on flights or as standalone shots. So after you've bagged your free pint, you can then move onto taste testing the rest.
To find out more about Cult Wing, take a look at their website.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Clementine Hall -
12th October 2022 
