Let's be honest, if you haven't heard about North Brewing Co. - where have you been?
The Leeds institution is known far and wide for brewing some of the north's most-loved drinks.
Now, celebrating the brewery's renowned selections of IPAs, experimental beer releases and craft ales, North Brewing Co. is bringing back Springwell Sessions just in time for the bank holiday weekend: a three day festival full of street food, alcohol and tunes.
Taking place on Friday 28 - Sunday 30 April 2023, four sessions across three days will bring together the best local independents in the area, as well as around the world breweries just outside of the city centre at North Brewing Co.'s own brewery, Springwell.
Images: Springwell
Hosted at Springwell, the indoor-outdoor event is going to be transformed into a collaborative space for some of the UK's favourite brands. Local favourites Bundobust Brewery will sit alongside DEYA, Cloudwater, and Brulo, amongst other exciting names in the beer world from near and far - including exciting appearances from overseas breweries.
Expect to taste the likes of Basqueland in Spain, Denmark's own ToØI, and from Berlin, Fuerst Wiacek.
And that's just the beginning.
Natural wine bar and deli Bottle Chop, famed in Far Headingley for its reusable wine initiative and standout selection of drinks will also be in attendance to give wine drinkers a taste of something a little different (and delicious) whilst the dedicated festival bar will be bringing fruity cocktails to the masses all day long.
Foodwise, those attending are going to be truly spoilt for choice.
Sicilian foodie favourites Poco Sicilian Street Food will be on hand to pair pints with pizza al taglio and fresh snacks like arancini and cannoli whilst vegan specialists Döner Summer will be bringing a selection of plant-based 'doner' similar to the teller trays and loaded fries drenched in sauce and salads served in the Call Lane store.
Little Bao Boy. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Springwell Sessions returns in April. / Image: Springwell
Jay Rayner recently reviewed Mor Mor's Levantine cuisine over at Kino, and it's safe to say that the standout review has left the pop-up kitchen highly esteemed across the city and beyond. Bringing a new Mexican concept to Springwell Sessions named Salma la Fondita - expect everything you know and love from the chefs at MorMor, just with foodie options inspired by North and Central America rather than the Levant.
Resident kitchens Little Bao Boy and Kerbside Kids will be cooking up their much-loved menu of steamed baos and smash burgers at Springwell over the weekender too - and just because they're permanently placed at the brewery certainly doesn't mean they should be overlooked for the occasion.
Whilst there will be plenty of alcohol for the grown ups to while away the afternoon, this is still very much a family occasion (dogs included), but in particular the Sunday session offers free entry for kids and a silent warehouse disco for all.
Springwell Sessions takes places across four sessions. / Image: Springwell
Tickets and Times
There will be four sessions in total taking place across the long weekend, with tickets to each event costing £12.96 (including a booking fee).
This gives you entry to the festival, a commemorative refillable glass to use throughout the event and take home with you afterwards, as well as a beer programme and a £1 donation to charity partners St George's Crypt.
Alternatively, you can grab yourself a ticket for the full weekend over all four sessions for £40.
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Sophie Smith -
27th March 2023 
