The Corn Exchange is bringing back the one-stop for all your festive needs- and it all kicks off this Friday.
The first Christmas markets have arrived in Leeds, and there really isn't a better place to grab a hot boozy drink, a bite from some of Leeds' most exciting new chefs, and shop for presents from some of Leeds' best independents.
Rolling Social Events, the team behind the known-and-loved Leeds Rum Fest and Leeds Tequila Fest, have been grafting away in preparation to take over the basement floor of Leeds Corn Exchange for seven weeks of festive fun.
Christmas is fast approaching and luckily for us, Rolling Social Events, the brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest, Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market.
Kicking off on Friday 11 November, the beautiful space will be filled with a whole host of festivities to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.
There'll be something for everyone to get involved in, with masterclasses, bars and games set to raise the roof in true festive style. Not only that, but an incredible feast of rotating food and drink will also reside in the lower ground level of Leeds most iconic building.
Image: Leeds Corn Exchange
The space will seat around 200 people and will feature a tasting room, a main bar area and food traders. Not to mention a whole host of stalls for you to stock up on your Christmas presents, sellers from Mahogany Market and Indie Makers will be there plus all the amazing retail already in Leeds Corn Exchange.
After you've done all your shopping you'll definitely need a little pick me up, so head to the festive bar for salted caramel espresso martinis, hot toddies and a selection of draft from Camden Town Brewery.
Get into the Christmas spirit with live music from local artists including The Pretend Beatles, Matt Baxter and Hayley Gaftarnick. Sing along and tap your foot to seasonal favourites with Lucy’s Pop Choir and Joy Choir.
Image: Supplied
This year the market has teamed up with local favourites, The Dijon Boys, who will be serving up an alternative Christas menu inspired by the classics. Think braised ox cheek stew with polenta mash and braised red cabbage, embutido stuffing sandwiches with sauerkraut and gravy, and harissa spiced winter veg pastilla.
Cameron Sohel from Dijon Boys said, “The past few months have been really busy for us and we were just about to start our next project when Lee approached us, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So many Christmas menus are the same everywhere you go - we wanted to put our distinctive Dijon Boys twist on it - we’re all about big, punchy flavours. I think we’ve really done that with this menu.”
Image: Supplied
Leeds' premier independent wine specialist, Latitude Wines will be providing the perfect pours to match. They'll also be hosting masterclasses in the experience room, talking guests through a range of speciality spirits including Filey Bay whisky and Woodford Reserve bourbon.
In addition to the kitchen residency from the Dijon Boys, a rotation of independent food traders will be bringing their goods including sandwich specialists Don’t Feed the Dog and Middle Eastern Street Food stand Shouk.
A spokesperson fromLeeds Corn Exchange said: "We are delighted to welcome the Christmas Market back to Leeds Corn Exchange for a second year. As a champion for independent retail, we're excited to support even more small and local businesses this holiday season.
"Rolling Social brought the party to the Corn Exchange last year, so we're really looking forward to indulging in more festive fun this Christmas."
The market will be open Friday to Sunday from 11:30am to 8pm, kicking off from Friday 11 November for seven festive weeks. To find out more, take a look at their website.
Feature image - Supplied(Chapter 81)
News
Successful Sheffield charity walk returns to Meadowhall to support people living with dementia
Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.
After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.
The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.
The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.
As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.
Image: Supplied
Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.
After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.
.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.
Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.
Image: Supplied
The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.
Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.
"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
Image: Supplied
Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.
“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”
Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds for dementia care across Sheffield.
Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.
Sign up by midnight on Thursday 30 July.
Featured image - Supplied
News
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
Clementine Hall
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
The Hoot -
10th November 2022 
