Leeds party boy Jordan seeing out summer in style and swagger

Jordan Odu soaks up the atmosphere (and the rum punch) at the West Indian carnival.

Summer 2018 may be on its last breath, but who’s complaining? With a calendar chock full of ‘badass’ events, and a holiday in the Balearics still to look forward to, I’m striding into autumn with bounce, swagger and a nifty new wardrobe.

As we speak, I’m still reeling a little from the August Bank Holiday, but what a weekend it was.

I kicked it off with a trip to Blackhouse to try out their new menu, which is blessed with some absolute foodie gems.

A fabulous feed at Blackhouse.

If you head down, you need to check out the beer battered Cumbrae Oysters with jalapeno tartare sauce, and the Aussie Rib-Eye, which are both on another level.

It’s one of my favourite restaurants anyway and so I’m really looking forward to hosting their tenth birthday party in October.

I boxed off the weekend at the Leeds West Indian Carnival; a tradition for me that goes way back to before I even learned to walk.

Now in its 51st year, it’s more vibrant and diverse than ever before. The curried goat from Marcia’s and Jerk Chicken from Dutch Pot BBQ were definitely my highlight. If only I hadn’t smashed quite so many Ting Wray’s as on Tuesday the struggle was real….but then you only live once.

In less than three weeks’ time, I’ll be lording it up in a blissful Ibizan villa, and so I’m currently attempting to dial down my partying in exchange for some painful PT sessions. I’m really feeling the burn this time around, but it will all be worth it when I’m flashing those Insta-worthy abs by the pool.

As soon as I return though it’s full speed ahead, as me and the team are preparing for some exciting launches from September onwards.

First up we’ll be hosting our end of summer party at Manahatta Headingley next Friday. What better place to host this event than the hottest venue in North Leeds which boasts not one but two terraces.

Then from Headingley back to Leeds with The Box the following week, who are bringing shuffleboards, Apres Ski live bands, and my favourite Martini cocktails on draught to the city centre. I’ve checked out the new venue, and it looks wicked.

Shuffle Board at The Box.

I can’t say too much right now as all will be revealed next week but there’s another brand new restaurant launching this Autumn, which will reside in the venue formerly occupied by Marco’s, right in the heart of the Arena Quarter.

Close by there’s something for all the family with bowling alley Ten Pin launching in October in the Merrion Centre and The Ivy which opens next month in Victoria Quarter - if it’s anything like the Harrogate venue we’re in for a treat.

Moving away from the city centre and closer to home, I’ve found a new local gem that I’m slightly addicted to.

On first inspection, The Corner House in Moortown Corner is just another independent coffee shop, but head inside and it’s so much more.

As well as a huge food menu spanning breakfast, sandwiches and tapas plates, they have Asahi beer on draught and a small but well-edited cocktail menu.

With my holiday looming, however, I might have to swap out the flank steak sandwich and dirty mojito for a superfood salad and a smoothie - but the chances of that happening are pretty slim.