Rum Sampling, spirit masterclasses, bottle shop, street food, live music- and that’s just the beginning for Leeds Rum Festival 2023.
Yes, you read that correctly - Leeds Rum Festival is back and it's set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
For the eighth year running, an eclectic mix of rum brands from near and far will once again take over Leeds’ this month.
Taking over Leeds’ historic Royal Armouries on Saturday 23 September 2023, rum-lovers can gather to celebrate their favourite tipple in style.
Image: Supplied (Chapter 81)
Following on from the huge success of the sold-out 2022 edition, this year's festival will be accompanied by music, entertainment and food for the ultimate experience.
This year will feature the return of the Monin Daiquiri Bar, giving guests a chance to test their home bartender skills and those that whip up the fastest daiquiri will win prizes.
Leeds legends Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchants will be operating the festival bottle shop so guests can purchase their favourites from the festival to enjoy at home.
Tickets will provide entry to the festival, where there will be over a whopping 100 different rums to sample from all over the world. From unrepresented places such as Mexico and Papua New Guinea to closer-to-home brands like Yorkshire-founded Libations Rum.
Image: Suppled (Chapter 81)
Lee Jones, Head at Studio Events says: “Leeds Rum Festival has been our longest running event. Now in 2023, we have the opportunity to make it even bigger at the Royal Armouries. There is so much passion in Yorkshire for the category, and it’s a joy to bring all those enthusiasts together in one place.
"The amazing thing about Rum is that there are always new expressions to try that keeps it fresh for newcomers and returning enthusiasts alike.”
Tickets to Leeds Rum Festival are £35 each and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Clementine Hall -
5th September 2023 
