Leeds Indie Food, Leeds’ first independent food festival, is just around the corner, and I am beyond excited! I’ve lived in Leeds most of my life and the city has developed so much in the past few years, particularly in terms of the awesome food and drink on offer from indie companies. LIF has organised some fantastic events, and these are the ones that are topping my to-do list. It’s a great time to be a Loiner…
Brandon Street Night Market
8th May, 6pm-11pm, Canal Mills, free
I have yet to sample the Brandon Street market, but have heard plenty of good stuff from my Leeds friends who are not such chronic procrastinators as myself. I’m looking forward to getting down here to seek out my favourite street food vendors, discovering some new ones, and dancing off my food baby after a few cocktails.
The GINstival: Lazy Gin Fair
9th May, 4pm-9pm, Lazy Lounge, £10
Fun fact: I bloody love gin. With the Ginposium at Smokestack already sold out, thank god for Lazy Lounge and their GINstival! I’m looking forward to sampling some top shelf stuff that I could never afford and picking some brains for new cocktail recipes. There’s also going to be cake – gin-based cake!
The Decanter Presents: Wine Tasting With Yorkshire Wine School and Graze
12th May, 7-9pm, The Decanter, £30
I have an eternal love affair with wine, not just because it tastes amazing but because it still makes me feel a little bit fancy and sophisticated every time I drink it. Especially now that I’m older and wiser and refuse to drink Blossom Hill. Wine tastings always feel extra fancy, and with contributions from the Decanter and Yorkshire Wine School this session is sure to be a good one.
Thinking About Food: British Barbecue Culture
13th May, 5.30-7.30pm, Tall Boys Beer Market, free
As an ex-English Literature student, this one piqued my interest immediately. I wasn’t aware that there was a strong literary tradition associated with the British barbecue, but apparently I’m about to be enlightened. Books and food; what a combination…
The Great Edible Art Show
14th May, 10am-6pm, The Gallery at Munro House, free
To my eternal grief, the eating part of this entirely cake-based exhibition by the Tattooed Bakers is already sold out, but I’ll still be rushing down here after work to catch the end of the show. The Gallery have been kind enough to share a couple of sneak previews on their Twitter account, and I can’t wait!
The East Village and the Tipple Taxi Present: The American Fairground
16th May, 2pm-6pm, The East Village, free
Now this is the American Dream! Arcade games, popcorn, photo booths, cocktails…what’s not to love? I’m going to grab a big group of friends for this one, I literally can’t think of a single better way to spend my Saturday.
Beer and Ice Cream Pop Up Party
17th May/24th May, 12 noon-6pm, Black Swan, free
Beer is my Everest; despite all my best efforts I’ve never quite managed to love it. It’s embarrassing – I’m from Yorkshire for christ’s sake! Ice cream, on the other hand, has never been an issue, and I’ve already made several trips to Northern Bloc over the past few weeks in a bid to taste every delicious flavour on their menu. Maybe this will be the day I finally crack beer…
Leeds Feast
22nd May 5-11.30pm/23rd May 11am-11.30pm, The Tetley, £2
The guys at the Belgrave are helping out on this one, and if it’s anything like their monthly Street Feast we’re in for a treat! Food, drink, music and Q&A sessions are all on the agenda, and if that wasn’t enough, Laynes are launching their Northern Coffee Guide. Leeds is going to do us proud…
What are your LIF unmissables?
A Life of Moxie 