Chow Down announce huge new street food takeover in Leeds city centre

Chow Down has previously run food festivals at the Piece Hall in Halifax and at Lincoln Castle.

They have secured a number of street food vendors to occupy Temple Arches - the outdoor event space on Globe Road on the South Bank - for 10 consecutive weekends, starting from July 30.

Chow Down is a collaboration between New Citizens, Leeds Indie Food and Chapter 81 which promotes the best independent food and drink brands in the north.

They were forced to cancel 12 festivals planned for 2020 due to the pandemic, but have decided to instead introduce a socially distanced table service dining concept to Temple Arches.

The festival site is part of CEG's Temple development in Holbeck - it's an adaptable events area beside a railway viaduct that previously hosted Oktoberfest in 2019.

There will be 22,000-sq.ft of outdoor space, entertainment, music and street art, with the hope that it will drive footfall south of the River Aire.

Tickets must be booked in advance and guests are encouraged to arrive by train - it's a 10-minute walk from Leeds Station - or bike, with a large cycle park provided.

Chow Down director Matt Long said: “We're delighted to be able to bring Chow Down to Leeds for the rest of the summer and work with CEG once again. With businesses, restaurants, and pubs around the UK re-opening, it's amazing to see the city coming back to life.

"Unfortunately we saw all of our events cancelled during the pandemic, and with the majority of people having been stuck at home over the last four months, we brainstormed some ideas to create a permanent space for Chow Down.

"The team has designed an amazing and unique venue at Temple Arches, using shipping containers and pergola roofs to create an alfresco setting that's both socially distanced and safe but also fun. It’ll be a great environment in which to enjoy all the great street food, drink, music and live art we have to offer.”

Which vendors will be there?

Laynes Espresso will be serving coffee.

The first weekend (July 30 - August 2) features Middle Feast, Kenyan-inspired grill Nyama Choma, Pizza Loco and the Little Red Food Truck, an offshoot of Sela Bar.

The line-up for the rest of the summer includes Seitan's Kebab from Manchester, Little Bao Boy, sushi stand OnaRoll, burger van What's Your Beef, Middle Eastern cuisine from MorMor, Holy Mountain Kitchen, fried chicken van What the Cluck, Indian street food by Vaso Kitchen, Jamaican-themed Soul Shack and The Little Korean.

Northern Monk and North Brewing Co will run the bars, with rotating beers by Anthology, Nomadic, Kirkstall Brewery, Meanwood Brewery and Amity.

The bars will also serve wines by Cansecco - a line of canned Fairtrade vegan wines - cocktails and gins.

Who's playing?

The DJs are a mix of big names and local talent.

For the opening weekend, there will be sets by Crazy P, PBR Streetgang, Tristan da Cunha, We Are Fierce, BBC Introducing’s Emily Pilbeam, Soul Boutique, Ed Vector, Ninety Nine and Gip Dammone.

Hyde Park Brass Band have also been booked for the coming weeks.

How does it work with social distancing?

- Cashless

- All visitors must book tables in advance

- Food and drink orders will be streamlined via a scanned code at the table. Food is brought directly ro the tables. Queuing is not allowed.

How do I get there?

Temple Arches on Globe Road is accessible by foot from the city centre and is close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. Leeds Station's south entrance is 10 minutes' walk away. A large bike park will be available.

How do I book?

Tickets go on sale on July 22.

A table of two costs £10, with £20 for four people and £30 for six.

The cost includes a pint of lager, a cocktail or a soft drink on arrival.

Special child-friendly day sessions aimed at families will run each Thursday from August 6.

Book at https://chowdownevents.co.uk/

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