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Springwell Sessions: North Brewing Co is hosting a huge bank holiday beer festival

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 27th March 2023

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.

rainbow over brewery.
Images: Springwell
three glasses.

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.

bao buns.
Little Bao Boy. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
brewery with sign.
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.

Get tickets for Friday 28 April 2023 6-11pm here.

Get tickets for Saturday 29 April 2023, 11am-4pm here.

Get tickets for Saturday 29 April 2023, 6-11pm here.

Get tickets for Sunday 30 April 2023, 11am-4pm here.

Feature Image - Springwell / The Hoot Leeds

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Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.

After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.

The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.

The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.

The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.

Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council

The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.

“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”

Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.” 

“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.” 

You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.

Read more: Rooftop padel courts planned for multi-storey car park in Leeds city centre

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.

It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.

Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.

Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.

Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co

After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.

Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"

Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.

Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co

The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.

It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.

Read more:

Featured image - Thirty Nine Coffee Company

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