Getting lost in gin cocktails and a much needed zen retreat for Leeds man about town Jordan Odu

Jordan with main man Maveer Singh-Pangu and gal pal Charlotte Fisher.

Did someone say Friday? I’m most definitely ready for the weekend, and I can’t work out whether it’s the adrenaline from my hectic week or those gin cocktails from last night’s Lost & Found party. Hard to believe it’s a year since they transformed the iconic Leeds Club building into one of the city’s most Insta-worthy bars, but what a party it was.

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We danced and drank the night away with hundreds of guests, many of whom won’t be looking their best right now. Another party that promises to be legendary is the Rev De Cuba revamp, pencilled in for the end of March. They’re having a dramatic makeover and promise to return with more space for live entertainment, dancers and of course their giant paella. I had a sneak peek and what they have planned is amazing. Get in touch if you’d like to join me for a few cheeky cocktails, some tapas and my bad salsa efforts and I’ll make sure your name’s on the list.

Just around the corner from Rev, I noticed Little Bao Boy has taken up permanent residence in the North Brew Co. bar, how come nobody told me about this? Every time I walk past, the place looks buzzing so I’ll be going down soon to get me some bad boy bao. It’s cool to see Leeds expanding with new districts being formed all over town, move over Manchester.

After back to back events, it was time for much needed downtime, so off I went to The Grand in York to recuperate. I’d heard good things, but this exceeded expectations. Set in a stunning Edwardian building dating back to 1906, there’s a lot to love. I almost dozed off after a massage in this tranquil hideaway. Once I’d got in the zen-zone, it was dinner time in the Rise Restaurant where the only thing more beautiful than the décor is the food itself. If you do go, you must try the plump and meaty Seared Scallops with North African spice and the Braised Beef Feather Blade, just wow.

Food at the Rise Restaurant on my zen retreat.

I also found time to check into Black Market once again, to act as guinea pig in trying their new menu (it’s a hard life). Once again, they didn’t hold back on the flavour front, and delivered dish after dish of show-stopping cuisine. Personal highlights included the scrumptious Yorkshire lamb board, and harissa marinated giant king prawns. I’m proud to have this hip little indie restaurant on my doorstep, it’s made living in North Leeds even better.

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Another exciting project on the horizon is our forthcoming Pink Ladies & Friends event in what is possibly Leeds’ fittest restaurant, Issho. We’re doing this one for all the sisters to coincide with International Women’s Day. This relaxed and informal way to connect people for business and pleasure is all about getting women together to share stories, make contacts and have a good time.Our first guest speakers on the day are none other than Capital FM breakfast presenter JoJo ( I can’t wait to hear her legendary laugh), interior designer and property developer Christine Yorath (the original footballer’s wife) and fundraiser Amy Harrison from Candlelighters.

This weekend I’ll be dusting off my party pants and heading for one last dance at the Mint Club, as the clubbing institution shall be no more come Monday. Talk about the end of an era – I spent half of my twenties causing debauchery and will miss this place massively.I’m going to end today’s update by talking about one of my favourite things. Fried chicken. After what feels like an eternity, Yard and Coop is finally opening on Merrion St next month. Leeds is going to go clucking mad for this.