New research ranks the best street food markets in the UK, and Leeds Kirkgate Market comes in at number seven.
Leeds Kirkgate Market is one of our favourite places in the city.
It is a market drenched in history and innovation, being home to the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened back in 1857.
Not only did the market push architectural boundaries of it's time, but technological ones too with 'fish row'- an inventive cooled area for fishmongers to bring fresh produce from the coast which opened in 1895 and is still there today.
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: The Hoot Leeds
But not only can you buy all your fresh produce as well as other worldwide ingredients from there, the street food area is home to an amazing array of food vendors serving up delicious lunch options to locals.
From Vietnamese pho to Indian paneer wraps, there's something for everyone to tuck into and at a very good price as well.
So, it comes as no surprise really that Leeds Kirkgate Market has been crowned number seven in the UK's top ten street food markets.
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: The Hoot Leeds
To rank the best street food markets to visit across the UK, South Western Railway analysed them against their: Google rating, number of Google reviews, Google search volume between Jan 2022 and May 2023, number of Instagram hashtags, and TikTok views.
Coming in at the top of the list is our Yorkshire neighbour Kommune in Sheffield, followed by St George's Market in Belfast and Mackie Mayor in Manchester.
Kenzo Jae is a creative who wants to put Bradford on the music map through his alternative-rap tracksand now he's Audio North's Artist of the Month.
This multi-tasking mastermind doesn't only record his own music, he's also a digital illustrator and graphic designer - Oh, and he even directs his own music videos (Leave some talent for the rest of us - We're begging).
Embarking on The Sloth Tour with three UK based dates in Manchester, Leeds and London throughout October, where Kenzo Jae will be playing out hits like 'Softly', 'Chicken Bagel', 'End of the World' and more.
This storytelling songwriter now sits down with Audio North to chat all things Artist of the Month and share a little more insight into his music career so far.
Audio North's Artist of the Month - Kenzo Jae | Interview
How much does being from Bradford influence the music you release?
All aspects of my personality have been influenced by Bradford, and I’m never more myself than when I’m writing. So lyrically Bradford has had a big impact.
What’s it like being an artist from Bradford?
At first it felt like something I had to hide. Now it’s something I wear as a badge. There’s not many of us in the grand scheme of things. It’s a niche club and I love that. The underdogs.
What northern artists are you loving at the minute?
If you could describe your artistry in three words what would they be and why?
Honest - I try not to hide behind anything in my music even when it’s critical of myself. If something has happened to me or I’m feeling something, I’d rather put it into a song exactly as it is. Might take me a few years but once it’s in the song I can get over it
Colourful - The vision of the world of my music to me feels saturated and bright. the occasional darkness but for the most part.
Arrogant - I think it takes a level of arrogant to do and say certain things in my music. Even to do the visual aspects too painting myself pink, wearing a sloth hat etc Takes an arrogance to think yeah I can put myself in such a weird position and believe it’s going to work
You’ve already amassed over 100k streams on SLOTH - How are you feeling about its reception so far?
It’s been great to see that people have really resonated with the story and the arc I have been on. I want to push it further and hope it reaches everyone that needs it
How fulfilling is it for you to release the SLOTH mixtape, a title you’ve held onto since you were 16?
The most cathartic feeling. Especially when it’s you know you’ve made it exactly the way I intended. It’s also a learning curve for things I will do differently for the next one.
You posted a reel describing how you spent two weeks animating a music video for yourself- How important is being hands-on in all aspects of your music career?
I’m a control freak. And if something is in my head, it’s a lot easier to do it myself. Don’t get me wrong , I work with a lot of hard working talented people that I can now trust and delegate work to. But on this instant, I love animation and I find the most enjoyment in editing visuals
Since you have a track titled ‘Chicken Bagel’, where are some of your favourite brunch or general food spots in West Yorkshire?
I grew up on chicken shops and Salah's is the goat. In terms of restaurants, Classic Persian is the best for me.
You’re not afraid of risk-taking and standing out, even going as far as painting yourself pink for one of your visuals - what advice would you give to any emerging artists who want to be as confident as you?
You have to be willing to embarrass yourself. The stuff that feels slightly uncomfortable, is usually the stuff that people remember.
And confidence doesn’t necessarily mean thinking you’re amazing. Sometimes it’s just being willing to say, “I don’t care if this is weird, I like it.”
It’s also it’s just more fun to feel like your outside of the box
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
2nd August 2023 
