As I’m sure we all know, this year we are being treated to an extra bank holiday to celebrate her majesty’s platinum jubilee. 70 years on the throne is a remarkable achievement and a reason for a party, if us Brits ever needed an excuse…
Here we’ve rounded up the best parties, events and celebrations in the city for the Jubilee bank holiday.
When people think of Jubilee celebrations they often think of street parties. Well, there will be street parties aplenty across the city. Leeds City Council have teamed up with our local hospitality sector to host a series of free street parties in the city over the Jubilee weekend. The parties will take place along New Briggate, Call Lane, Merrion Street, Lower Briggate, Greek Street and Cookridge Street. Expect music, street performances, BBQ’s and of course…lots of street food!
But here at Leeds Indie Food we want to celebrate and promote the indies, the weird, the wonderful and the different. And with a Platinum Jubilee unlikely to happen again in our lifetimes, we want our readers to celebrate in style. That certainly can be done down at Temple Arches where everyone’s favourite outdoor dining, drink and entertainment experience Chow Down is currently residing.
Chow Down launched just before Easter, running Thursday-Sunday until September, however to celebrate a rare Thursday off, Chow Down couldn’t turn down the opportunity to take advantage so for the Jubilee bank holiday, they will also be opening up their terraces on Wednesday 1st June – an extra day of Chow Down fun. Presenting JUBILEEDS! And the best bit? It’ll be FREE ENTRY all evening. The Jubilee weekend will also see Chow Down wave goodbye to its current kitchen residents Sarto and MorMor and say a big hello to Parmogedden and Good Boy Burger. In addition to great street food, expect a weekend of live music, DJs and takeovers, Jubilee cocktails, crazy golf + summer BBQ’s.
Street Parties? Check! Surely there’s afternoon tea? Well, yes, with a twist…our friends at Mans Market, renowned for their Afternoon Chi, are hosting a special Jubilee weekend afternoon tea named ‘Jubi-Chi’, get it!? This is an afternoon tea with a difference – forget finger sandwiches and dry cake, expect Chicken Gyoza, Pork War Tip Dumplings, Mushroom Corn and vegan-friendly Bamboo Dumplings – now this sounds like the sort of afternoon tea fit for a queen! And for another afternoon tea with a difference…we’ve always wondered what could be added to afternoon tea to make it better? A drag show of course! Yard & Coop will host a Royal Varieties Drag Afternoon Tea which sounds exactly like our cup of tea.
You asked, and they delivered. Everyone’s favourite Scandi restaurant FINT are celebrating the way us Brits know best…with a bottomless brunch! Launching on the Jubilee weekend, FINT are offering their famous Brunch menu alongside bottomless Cava, Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, Coffee Negroni’s or drinks from Saltaire Brewery for 90 minutes.
If you fancy venturing a little further from the centre then you can do worse than heading to Harewood House for The Great British Food Festival. Taking place over the entire four day bank holiday weekend, they will be embracing all things Jubilee. Expect bunting, a tea dance, Morris dancing, street party style seating and a special cake competition. And of course the best in local food and drink, and further afield, with over 100 stalls featuring international street food and an array of bars.
The Crown in beautiful Boston Spa is going big for the weekend. Throughout the weekend, there will be pizza from The Slice is Right, vegan donuts from Glazed & Confused, a pop-up bar from Bloom Gin, roasts on the Sunday and of course no Jubilee celebration would be complete without Cream Teas. The Crown’s Cream Teas will be served all weekend and all profits will be donated to the Boston Spa Village Hall charity.
If the festivities have got you feeling fancy then make sure you check out Owl in its brand new Lockside venue. Re-opening later this month, Owl has been renowned for its ‘Wine & Dine’ events. The first event at their new venue will be on Saturday 4th June and will be an evening of celebration for the Platinum Jubilee with a banquet fit for a Queen! Owl pride themselves on sourcing the best quality Britain has to offer, and have created a celebratory tasting menu and wini flight for the special occasion.
One of our favoutires, Ox Club will be taking over Water Lane Boathouse with their BBQ in tow. Expect a pop-up Spritz bar and a whole host of DJs to keep the mood fun but extremely tasty.
And if you’re just wanting to indulge, OULA Catering will be hosting a pop-up at Seven Arts throughout the weekend. With everything you need fit for a Platinum Jubilee Weekend, expect hotdogs, fried chicken, wraps and more! (and yes, there are vegan options!)
PS Indies are still announcing these as we speak, so keep tabs on social for more ace things to do.
