Don't be sad because it's over, smile because it happened...
Yep we know, we're just as sad as you are that the summer is slowly waving us goodbye.
But, here to give it the farewell it truly deserves is the brilliant Tower Works Street Fest that is returning this weekend for the final time of 2025.
The much-loved festival is returning to Leeds from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September, bringing food, drink, music and live entertainment to Leeds’ bustling South Bank.
Image: Supplied
Held in Verona Square, just off Globe Road and seconds away from the station, Tower Works Street Fest has been a highlight of the summer's calendar since April, running every first weekend of the month.
And the September finale promises to be the biggest celebration yet.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of food and drink on offer, from Little Bubble Box’s signature bubble waffles and teas to the award-winning dim sum of Siu Mai Bar and Venezuelan dishes from 7 Star Flag.
Independent bars including Vintrobar, The Reserve Cocktail Bar and Reggae Rum Shack will be serving drinks throughout the weekend, alongside a makers’ market featuring sweet treats, crafts and flowers from local artisans.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There will also be plenty of entertainment, with live music from Danny Charles on Friday evening and Jake Keating on Saturday.
Michael Johnston, Tower Works Street Fest Production Manager, said: “This final weekend is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Visitors can expect incredible food and drink, artisan markets, local musicians and plenty of space to relax. It’s the perfect way to round off the summer in Leeds.”
Louise Larking, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “It’s fantastic to showcase the local traders of Leeds in one setting, as well as inviting people down to the Tower Works scheme to see the permanent businesses there such as Bake and Emba.
"The street fest has been a fantastic addition to the community at the scheme, and I urge people looking for their new business home to seriously consider joining this growing community.”
A much-loved independent restaurant in Leeds has announced it will be closing its doors.
Kuala Lumpur Cafe opened its doors in Headingley in 2019 by Bart and Hirman, who wanted to bring authentic Malaysian cooking to the city of Leeds.
Throughout the years, they'd built up a reputation for their beautiful curries and vibrant street food dishes, all of which were made using Hirman's family recipes.
So much so, that in 2024 they opened a kitchen inside White Cloth Hall in the city centre when the Grade II listed food hall first opened.
Their kitchen sadly closed a year later, but their Headingley restaurant remained open serving the students and locals with their famous beef rendang, nasi lemak and more.
Sadly, Kuala Lumpur Cafe have taken to social media to announce that they will be closing their doors for good as of this Saturday 17 October.
Their statement reads: "Thank you to all our customers and team that made Kuala Lumpur Cafe possible across the last few years. After a long consideration, we have decided that our last trading day will be Saturday 17 October.
"If you have a booking after this date, we'll be calling you over the next few days to try to move it to an earlier date before we close.
"It's been our pleasure to serve Malaysian food to the community. Best regards, KL Cafe."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, local businesses and customers flocked to the comments to express their sadness and show their support.
One comment reads: "Such a shame. This was genuinely the best Malay food I had outside of Malaysia. Will be missed greatly", whilst another thanks the cafe for "all the delicious food over the years".
If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur Cafe one last time, then you have until this Saturday to do so. Go and wish them a proper farewell.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Clementine Hall -
2nd September 2025 
