IL Magazine (Issue 11)

Independent Leeds Magazine Issue 11 www.independentleeds.co.uk

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Issue 11

Eat, drink and be merry.

It's that time of year again: clocks have gone backwards as winter moves forwards; as sunshine draws inwards, stomachs grow outwards. For in these dark days and darker nights, we can always comfort ourselves with food glorious food and celebrate together with drink wondrous drink.

So, as the party season begins, that's exactly Leeds is going to do: eat, drink, and be merry. In a city that will feed our bellies, our souls, and our hearts. Because, as Leeds professor JRR Tolkien told, "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

Eat, Drink And Be Merry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cover Illustration Chris Hood  @thingsonfire

The Edible Streets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Front Cover Story Chris Hood has taken influence from the city's rich variety of buildings, from old mills and Civic, through Universities to market stalls, and to a backdrop of physical graffiti, has illustrated a Leeds that is eating, drinking and being merry.

Dance Into The Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tall 'Tails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fashion Merry Go Round. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 For The Love Of Leeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Fancy Contributing?

We are open to all, so if you would like to write, illustrate or photograph in future issues, or have ideas for future content, please get in touch with our Editor John to join our growing collective.

Creature Comforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Editor John Barran : john@independentleeds.co.uk

What's Up Leeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Bring It All Back Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 With These Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

A Winter’s Tale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Sales Sarah Laycock : sarah@independentleeds.co.uk

Family Fortunes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hello Otley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Anything else hello@independentleeds.co.uk

Come As You Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Leeds Eye View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Bubbling Under. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Live jazz, funk, soul, blues & exceptional drinks every night:

NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE Visit: www.independentleeds.co.uk

Digger’s Island Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 That’s Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Tuesday to Sunday 6pm-4am | free entry | full listings at thedomino.co.uk

GRAND ARCADE LEEDS *New Year’s Eve 2017 announcement coming soon, join the mailing list at thedomino.co.uk

WHAT'S NEW / WHAT'S ON / WHAT'S GOING ON! independntleeds

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Illustration: Dale Crosby Close ď…­ @dalebrains

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Words: Charlotte Pacey

The Edible Streets David & Annika Richardson – Sabroso Street "Street food has taken a bit of a sweet spot in between quick, convenient food and restaurants. It's really allowed people's palettes to be opened up to the world's cuisine."

The street food scene is consistently evolving across Leeds and the North, and the couple admit "it’s the best community we've ever worked in – all the other street food traders really want you to do well, and there is such a great network of advice."

Favourite Vendor? "In Leeds we absolutely love Manjit's Kitchen and Pizza Loco. Further afield we adore MacDaddies and HipHopChipShop."

We have watched with eager eyes as Leeds has progressively cultivated its thriving street food scene.

Nick Prince – Diamond Dogs Whether it's a mouthful of spice or a bite of Yorkshire goodness, there seems to be no end to the assortment of street food vans out there, with more hopping on the bandwagon. The food is quick, it doesn't sacrifice quality and it is wonderfully social – this style of eating brings people together across Leeds, and across the country.

We chatted to the masterminds behind the menus born and bred in our city, to hear their take on the food trend of the moment.

"People seem to be doing more eating out which is good, and street food seems to have brought more communities together socially."

With street food events like the new EatNorth popping up, Nick would like to see others appearing across the city; "Hopefully more semi-permanent events. That way more opportunities open up for vendors to trade."

Favourite vendor? "I love Truly Crumptious, and I really enjoy the food from Holy Crab too!"

Chris Hargroves & Emily Cotton – The Ball Box "Street food allows people to have restaurant-quality food at a fraction of the cost, and provides an alternate lunch as opposed to the standard sandwich.

It's made cuisines all over the world more accessible to the public."

Although street food traders seem to love what they do for a living, it's not always an easy ride; "The biggest struggle is something we cannot control, the great British weather," adds Chris, "It can completely ruin an event that you've been prepping for all week."

Favourite Vendor? "Little Bao Boy based here in Leeds."

Independentleeds.co.uk

Tom Stafford – Doh'hut "I remember growing up and 'UK Street Food' was a white box burger van. People have stepped up their game with street food. Popular events such as Brandon St Night Market are appearing across our city, and you get a great atmosphere."

What is it that makes the life of a street food vendor so great? "For me, it's creating tasty donuts, personally handing each one to a customer and seeing people enjoy them, it keeps me motivated."

Favourite Vendor? "The Dilla Deli is one of Leeds' greats, also Ollie from Pizza Loco. Beyond Leeds I'd say The Gravy Train from Sheffield."

Ifty Patel – Ruby's Street Kitchen "Because we don't have a base, we really depend on getting our food out there in the streets to make a living. It's great because the process allows customers to interact with chefs face to face and it's much more satisfying that way!"

Although Leeds' street food scene has blossomed over recent years, Ifty believes we're not far from for the starting line; "I think we're still in the early stages.

I'd like to see the council open up more areas where people can trade regularly and go in the evenings."

Favourite Vendor? "There's a nice vendor in Manchester, Nasi Lemak, Jim's been doing some good stuff recently."

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Dan Burgess & Felicity Richardson – The Sausage Box "I think a lot of the change [in Leeds' street food scene] can be attributed to the attitudes of Leeds City Council. I reckon we'll see more indoor events. Models like Leeds Indie Food have shown there is a platform for traders that isn't so exposed to the weather!"

With Leeds flaunting an already impressive lineup of independent eateries, street food vendors have to up their game to survive; "Traders have to differentiate themselves. They not only have to do something different, but they have to do it with the best ingredients."

Favourite Vendor? "Personal favourites are Dim Sum Su and The Gravy Train. Banh & Mee have an awesome set up in Kirkgate Market too."

Jen Kruger – The Dilla Deli "When you visit a food event you're able to try food from Malaysia to West Africa all in one place; this changes expectations and the demand for an exciting variety of foods."

Street food has spread its wings and permeated the structures and spaces of Leeds, and Jen declares that "it's no longer just a street-corner thing. There are high-quality street food events happening regularly now, like Belgrave Feast, and we have dedicated street food spaces like Trinity Kitchen."

Favourite Vendor? "I have so many! Pizza Loco, MorMor, Delice D'Ivoire, I also love Manjit's Kitchen in the market."

See the full piece online at independentleeds.co.uk

James Ooi – Little Bao Boy "Street food is no longer associated with greasy junk food. The industry has created events which have a real community, family vibe and open its doors to anyone and everyone."

As is already known on Leeds' independent food scene, eateries are far from rivals but rather a network of aid for one another, and this extends to our street food culture; "You become part of a really supportive association where the majority of traders and event organisers are open to helping you out."

Favourite Vendor? "I'm a massive fan of ParmStar, a duo from my hometown of Middlesbrough."

pimp up your lunch break

Authentic, Caribbean cooked with passion from local ingredients.

You’ll love: Curried goat • Jerk Chicken • Beef stew

Real Vietnamese Food

Join our journey

Kirkgate Market Foodhall

@BanhandMee

JennysJerkChicken jennysjerkchicken@gmail.com

and bar

George Welton & Lucy Mardon – Brown & Blond "This type of eating has had such a positive effect as it's made what was once an extremely expensive industry to get into, affordable for people with enthusiasm and talent."

Street food promotes a constructive scheme in which chefs can directly engage with the people they're feeding; "Over the years positive customer feedback has really shaped the company you see today. From producer to consumer it's a very honest way to sell, which is what we love!"

BanhandMee@hotmail.com

etarian Indian Veg s and snack d o o f t e e Str ps, Dasas, a r W i, l a Th s, Gins, Craft Beer & Chai Lassi Cocktails,

Favourite Vendor? "Firm favourites of ours are Tikk's Thai Kitchen and Pizza Fella."

Manjit’s Kitchen & Bar KirKgate MarKet t: 0794 118 3132

/ManjitsKitchen @ManjitsKitchenuK Manjit@ManjitsKitchen.coM

New York INspIred Comfort food Hot dogs deli sandwiches mac N Cheese Loaded fries Vegan friendly student offers reCeNtLY featured IN the ultimate street food Guide to Leeds Independent 16 unbelievable street foods in Leeds Buzzfeed top 20 uk street food dishes of 2016 London piggy

11-5 mon to sat kirkgate market food Hall @fatannies fatannies.co.uk fat_annies www.fatannies.co.uk

LeedS FAvOuriTe SHAwArmA

HATS OFF TO HibiScuS Add class to your glass with this special festive edition blend of orange and heavenly Hibiscus by Café Moor.

The fragrant flavour combination and immunity boosting properties make it the perfect winter weapon against sniffs, snivels and the morning after.

And the good news is for every Fez topped bottle sold Café Moor will donate 50p to Action Against Hunger to help fight child malnutrition across the world. Drink good, do good.

Buy a be-hatted bottle from Cafe Moor, Kirkgate Market at £2.50 and feel the force of the fez.

Big thanks to Elaine, Margaret, Margaret and Kath from Habiknit in Kirkgate Market for kindly donating to the cause with their mad knitting skills.

1904 Hall, Leeds Kirkgate Market www.cafemoor.co.uk

cafemoorleeds

cafemoor

Words: Chiara Amendola Illustrations: Henry Makin  @henrymakin

With his natural outlook to always be looking ahead, Dave has been at the forefront of the biggest changes in the DJ scene, and is currently working with the Denon 5000, the brand’s new deck, which he enthuses about; “I feel like I’m in a studio. There’s different channels, different loops. You can plug in the smallest USB, upload music as you go, and you have your whole catalogue at hand. And with the effects you can express your own style. The sky is the limit, really”.

This said, Dave admits that there is fierce opposition from purists to technological movements such as this; "Some people are still old school; they say this kind of equipment is not real because it’s not vinyl, but I’ve always had a bit of a problem with it. It’s not like I’m playing vinyl anymore, I don’t want to carry a bunch of records around".

On the other hand, choosing new technology over vinyl, rather than simplifying playing, can make things more complicated for beginners. There’s a whole new world of buttons, knobs and features, forcing DJs to take more risks. Dave is realistically positive; "I think people are embracing technology quite a lot. Some people can play both. Personally, I think it all comes down to what comes out of the speakers".

Dave Beer is not easy to get.

I finally manage to meet him on a windy afternoon, we shelter in Bundobust and he starts speaking to me in front of a glass of red.

All I want to ask him is how was touring with The Clash and Ramones and if he still parties like he did back then.

But the topic of the day is the evolution of the DJ scene and its consequences on the music and its audience.

And who better than Dave, founder of the legendary Back to Basics, the man who had Groove Armada and Daft Punk playing at his parties, and whose band supported Fatboy Slim, to tell me all about it?

Although renowned for his club nights and house music, Dave, now aged 52, confirms that his influences remain rooted in his punk origins; "Punk rock stays with you for life", he states. "It’s more of a way of life than a musical movement to me". This upfront philosophy is evident throughout Back to Basics: it's all about controversy, DIY aesthetics, being cutting edge, and one of Dave’s most famous quotations, "being two steps further than any other fucker".

When I ask how the audience is responding to change, his answer is unexpected: “We are at the point where, for the first time in history, kids want to dance like their dads. When I was young, that was the last thing you wanted to be - like your dad". Conversely, this merging of generations has to some extent reversed the effect of change; "Generally, it’s the younger kids that tend to look at the past nostalgically”, Dave suggests.

Dave further supports his argument about new technologies by it opening up the opportunity to discover and play music inclusively; “Back in the day, you had to be known: all the best records were behind the counter. Now it is so much easier to listen and download the music you like”. This idea of inclusivity comes through in who he believes should get a chance behind the decks in a male dominated industry; "Doesn't matter if you're a boy or a girl. We have always championed girl DJs, but they have to be good just like everybody else".

After years of vinyl, and in no way encouraging its demise, Dave strongly believes in the development of digital music and in bringing together different sides of the music world. That’s why most of his time is spent organizing and playing live shows, with his band The Blessed and with full orchestras and famous artists. Ultimately, it all goes back to that old punk ethos of staying true to who you are, as Dave surmises; "My music is a reflection of myself. Some DJs play music they don’t even like just because that’s what the crowd wants. I cannot even imagine what that must feel like".

To him, the equipment, whether analogue or digital, is simply there to present the human soul; "Some people still think you can’t put your soul in digital music, but that’s crazy. The soul is within you, you have it or you don’t, and you express it with whichever medium you have. Music is how you manipulate the sound, and twisting a knob on a deck is no different from setting up your amp to your favorite guitar sound”.

I ask Dave if we can still talk about controversy in 2017; "To be an anarchist today is a pretty difficult thing to do. I don’t think people are truly anarchic anymore”, he replies. “The new anarchy is leading the way rather than following, and being a part of the change".

His ethos to be real and do your own thing shows through Dave’s idea of a party. He has reached the point where he doesn’t need to worry about a career anymore. “We just follow what we’re into”, he states.

“I think the real rebellion sometimes is to be true to yourself".

Independentleeds.co.uk

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Words: Josh  @porco_rosso_bar

Tall 'tails

Whilst many traditionalists stay true to original ingredients and recipes, it is by understanding, respecting and optimising classics that allows cocktails to evolve. The only stipulation we have for a negroni to be called a negroni is for it to be equal parts bitter sweet and dry. Sometimes, such as in the white negroni, we don't even use Campari, which was able to be sold in the US under prohibition laws as it was deemed "unpleasant" and "medicinal”.

Instead, the combination between Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and Sipsmiths London dry makes a perfect aperitvo. This is the ethos of great mixology; using the basis of classic cocktail making, integrated with artisan products rarely found anywhere else.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away” - Antoine de saint-exupery

Josh , bartender at Harrogate’s Italian booze masters Porco Rosso, talks us through the history of cocktails, their Italian/ American origins, how classics evolve, and the ethos of a great mixologist.

There has recently been a huge resurgence of interest in cocktails and cocktail culture. The current influx of high end ingredients has really set people's imaginations on fire. There are producers popping up all over the world distilling some truly excellent products that just weren't available a few years ago without having to meticulously track them down, especially from abroad. A lot of this has to do with the explosion in demand for gin the last few years, with producers sprouting up all over the place trying to put their own stamp on the original bath tub booze; it's a

Tiago Teixeira - Tattu

fairly easy spirit to manipulate with a whole host of botanicals at your disposal. Since then, everything is seeing a revival and evolution; it's an exciting time to be a mixologist.

Cocktails as we know it wouldn't be where they are today without Italian bar tenders. During the prohibition, there was a massive influx of Italians into America, leaving their poverty-stricken homeland to seek a new life in the land of opportunity. With them they brought vermouth, amaro and bittering agents like Campari, and blended them with the spirits of the prohibition. This blending was the beginning of many of the classics, and thus giving birth to cocktail culture. The influx of Italians brought the creation of the Manhattan, Boulvardier, Martinez, Rob Roy, and many others, which in turn were the building blocks of all cocktails we know today.

We are now able to completely change the flavour of many of the classic cocktails using the myriad of liqueurs that at one time were practically indistinguishable. At Porco our most beloved is of course the humble negroni, first drunk and named after Count Camillo Negroni in caffe Casoni; whilst he always enjoyed his favourite drink the Americano (equal parts sweet vermouth and Campari and a top of soda), he felt it needed fortifying, added another equal part of gin, sacked off the soda, and bingo!

Negroni time was born! It’s a drink equally suited for breakfast lunch and dinner; cocktail perfection.

Charlie Bissett, Roland's Every weekend our Espresso Martinis are the drink that leaves all the bartenders arms aching. They were originally invented by Dick Bradsell in the 80’s for non other than Kate Moss, who asked for a drink that would "pick me up and fuck me up". The result was this beautiful and velvety coffee cocktail. We like to think we would do her proud.

Adam Burnett - The Tiki Hideaway If you were to ask one of our bartenders for a recommendation we will point in the direction of the Zombie. Originally created by the founding father of Tiki, Donn Beach, this piece of tropical deliciousness consists of fruit juices, liqueurs and lashings of various rums. Set alight, the temperature is raised to the Caribbean climate by creating fireballs over the cocktail, and believe me, we get competitive over who can create the biggest and best flames!

Independentleeds.co.uk

As a bartender, I think it’s important to interact with customers, take time to understand what flavours they like so you can recommend the right cocktail, or perhaps encourage them to try something different.

We always try to create serves that complement the flavours in our food menu, we also like to be as seasonal as we can with ingredients. One of my favourite cocktails from our winter menu is the Geisha’s Kiss – a warm hit of Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum, blended with flavours of apple and cinnamon that sits perfectly with Chinese food or on its own

Niall McGloin - The Domino Club For me, the Martinez is a classic cocktail that still holds a tremendous amount of relevance today. It is a very close relative of the Martini cocktail but with a sweeter and more full-bodied makeup. Combining gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino (cherry) liqueur and bitters, the result can send you into a delightful slumber sat at any bar. The modern recipe has evolved so that the gin now makes up the majority of the liquid in your glass, this will be the case in most bars you go into. However, I personally favor the traditional vermouth heavy recipe which provides more body to the drink...delicious.

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COCKTAILS | WINE | CHARCUTERIE

FOOD SERVED UNTIL 3AM

3 CROSS BELGRAVE STREET | LS2 8JP | RESERVATIONS@EPICURUSBAR.COM

Words: Becky Collina  @leedscommunityclothingexchange Illustrations: Sophia Watts  @sophia_watts

Our main focus has always been about encouraging people to think in a more sustainable way about their clothing, effecting behaviour change through our events and social media channels. Put simply, the Fashion Industry needs to change. Currently it is one of the top five most polluting industries globally, starting with the fibres used to creating our clothing all the way up to the finished product.

Eventually we fall out of love with the clothing we have bought, which often sits in our wardrobe barely worn. A large proportion of this clothing goes to landfill, where it takes decades to biodegrade, because much of our clothing is made from synthetic fibres.

The majority of this can and should be worn again and again, which is where the idea of LCCE comes in. By bringing your quality clothing to events such as LCCE you are helping to divert this clothing from landfill.

Leeds Community Clothes Exchange started in 2007.

Consumption of fashion is at an all-time high, as Fashion Revolution states, "Global clothing production has more than doubled since 2000, in 2014, 100 billion garments were produced”. With the rise of fast fashion, we see the process from design to shop floor taking as little as four weeks, so depending upon the retailer, there can be up to twelve seasons per year! This has helped to drive spending on fashion to an all time high; the UK alone purchased 1,130,000 tonnes of clothing in 2016. We have developed a mindset that an outfit can only be worn once, and feel pressured to not be seen wearing the same thing twice.

When we walk into a high street fashion store and they have already got a piece that’s catwalk inspired on the shop floor, we must start to question how that retailer has produced the item so quickly. The garment industry equates to modern slavery, with workers often paid less than the local living wage and forced to work in dangerous conditions. With the clothes exchange, we are trying to encourage consumers to slow down and think about where they are buying their new clothing from.

Increasingly we have been seeing attendees who have self-imposed shopping bans where they buy nothing new from the high street, with some choosing to shop from independent retailers, charity shops or vintage fairs. It sounds scary to restrict yourself in this way, however it opens up a whole world of opportunity to truly develop a personal style! One of the ways we hope to bring about change is to share people’s stories of personal style to inspire others.

Starting in November, LCCE is partnering with Leeds Central Library to encourage upcycling of garments picked from the exchange. The first session will focus on using embroidery to embellish and repair garments, so at our next swap you can pick up a new Christmas party outfit and drop it back in January, when it might be just the bit of sparkle to brighten up someone’s new year.

Run by a fantastic team of volunteers and with over 2000 registered members, they host nine events throughout the year at Woodhouse Community Centre, with roughly 200 people attending each event. Here, creative director Becky writes about LCCE, sustainable fashion, and the importance of community eco initiatives.

LCCE originally started as part of Lizzie Harrison's 'Remade in Leeds’ research project, which explored local supply chains and reclaimed material as a source of its fashion inspiration. As a brand, ReMade in Leeds highlighted the need for an easier way for people to access sustainable fashion. Since Lizzy and her label Antiform relocated, LCCE has run as its own unique event through a voluntary team of co-ordinators and supported by a group of volunteers who share our passion for sustainable fashion and waste diversion.

At a Clothes Exchange, members bring along up to 20 items that are clean and in good condition to swap. Whilst there are some items we cannot accept, all are recycled by Leeds Community Trust so that nothing goes to landfill. After checking in, members are issued with tokens equating to the number of garments. They are then free to rummage in the swap, and try on their finds, with any unused credits stored on our database until the next event.

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Words: Manjit Kaur  @manjitskitchenuk Photography: Jeremy Kelly  @jeremykelly_

All my fruit and veg comes from Kirkgate; I do lots of juicing at home, and Neil's can get hold of anything, whilst the outdoor traders are also great for supplies. A box of fruit and veg is amazing value when compared to the supermarkets.

Just across the road from us is Outlaws Yacht Club; we go here for a quick bite to eat, drinks after work, meetings, birthdays... any excuse, basically! There is a real spirit of creativity about the place, with vinyl for sale and DJ’s playing. This bar has introduced me to lots of new music and always feels friendly and safe. A hot toddy before going to catch my bus got me through the Winter last year.

Further round the corner, but still walking distance from us, is Sheaf Street Cafeteria and the magnificent Grub and Grog Shop. We met these guys trading at events and have watched them build to where they are now. They have always given prominence to Vegan cooking and take a real pride in their ingredients, doing lots of interesting pickling and preserving.

Breakfast here is a real treat.

Walking home from the market, I stroll up Vicar Lane, towards the comforting smell of wood burning, and in 15 minutes I am not talking to anybody because I am eating pizza. We met Miles from Pizza Fella trading on the street and his dough has now stretched to this thriving pizzeria in the centre of Leeds. Proper Neapolitan wood fired pizza, top quality ingredients, and great value. It is a real pleasure to see the independent traders from Leeds streets striding into bricks and mortar.

Further up North Street I walk past the steamy windows of The Greedy Pig as it is getting ready for its night time persona The Swine That Dines. Small plate sharing heaven from the ridiculously talented Jo and Stu, the vegetarian Roots to Shoots night they do here has been one of my food highlights of this year.

I run an Indian streetfood business and café bar called Manjit’s Kitchen in Kirkgate Market, and so most of my week is spent there. My Auntie had a clothes shop in the market and my mum worked there. I have memories of running around the market as a child. My mum now comes here everyday to see me.

I stand at the bus stop and look longingly at the Reliance, wishing my bus wasn’t due and I could call in just to read their specials board.

Instead, jumping off the bus in Chapel Allerton, a convenient short cut home takes me past Further North; the smallest, cosiest bar. The opening of their bifolding doors is the official start of Summer in North Leeds, but for now that is a long way off. So as the dark nights draw in, I sip a half pint of Transmission

by North Brew Co. and raise a glass to Leeds and its independent businesses.

Independentleeds.co.uk

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Call Lane. Dogs welcome. We promise the new beer mats are coming soon.

EAT PIZZA FRITTA: THE TRUE PIZZA OF THE GODS, AT KIRKGATE MARKET. Featured in Where To Eat Pizza: “The Expert’s Guide To The Best Pizza Places In The World”

frizza.uk

Illustration: Bobbi Rae  @bearcubs Photography: Emily Nicholson  @pet_stories_Photography /  Abbey Aaron @abbeyaaron17

There's a really close bond between humans and their best friends; animal and alcohol. Emily Nicholson and Abbey Aaron combine to capture creature comfort moments across Leeds of besties and beer; the perfect combination!

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Jon Bon Jovi & Mitch The Brunswick

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Ralph the Boxer, Doghouse Bar & Record Shop

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Bonnie the Cockapoo, Roland's

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Margo the Border Collie, Northern Monk

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Luna the Chihuahua, North Bar

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Minnie The Boston Terrier Waterlane Boat House

Independentleeds.co.uk

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Words: Marko Husak Illustrations: Laura Crompton  @laura.crompton

Our resident Taste Hunter Marko Husak returns to the Leeds side streets to search out hidden eateries from Leeds communities. This week, he travels to China and Home.

eat much Chinese food these days, but having been tipped off by a couple of people about ‘Home’, near the university, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to investigate.

Leeds doesn’t have the biggest Chinese community compared to other large cities in the UK, but one does exist; there is a ‘China Town’, with supermarkets and such, behind the newly built Victoria Gate; there is a sizeable population of Chinese students who attend the city’s universities; and where there is a community of migrants, there are places for them to eat...

It's easy to miss Home. Situated in an old terraced house on Blenheim Terrace, you can walk past not noticing it's there. Apart from the two recommendations, I would have not even known it existed. It has no presence on social media and it doesn’t advertise... but it doesn't need to; Home relies on ‘word of mouth’ within the local Chinese community, and it works.

I frequented the authentic Red Chilli on George Street that used to sell controversial Shark Fin soup, but haven’t been back for a while. Michelin starred chef Michael O’Hare of The Man Behind The Curtain once recommended Ho’s restaurant on Vicar Lane as being a legitimate Chinese Restaurant; I went twice before it closed down. The food was great but being the only diner in there on both occasions meant that the atmosphere was odd, even if for me that was in a good way. Maxi's Rotisserie in Kirkgate Market has also been on my radar for a while, and every time I walk past it I ask myself why I have never eaten their Peking Duck before.

Me and a friend visited on a Tuesday night and it was full; it was a good job that we booked. We ordered a set menu for two of sweetcorn soup, wings, beef in black bean sauce etc. etc. Although everything was tasty, we realised that we may have made the wrong decision when ordering. Everyone else in the restaurant were eating Hot Pot. Chinese Hot Pot is a truly communal dish that comprises of a simmering bowl of broth that sits in the middle of the table surrounded by plates of raw fish, meat and veg that you cook yourself by dipping it in to the broth. It looked like fun.

I grew up eating Chinese food. My mother was a private tutor who taught a few Chinese kids Maths and English as a first language. Their parents owned Clayton House Takeaway in Bradford and they would bring my mum a weekly dim sum banquet as part payment. The food was good and not the kind of stuff you’d see on the typical takeaway menu. I don’t really

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I get why the restaurant is named Home; not only does it remind the largely student clientele of China, it also has the vibe of a being in someone’s front room, with its cosy surroundings and friendly service. It is a true hidden gem. I was gutted that we didn't order the Chinese Hot Pot as it looked the business, but I'll definitely use it as an excuse to come back soon and try it with a group of friends.

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Words: XXX Illustration: XXX  @XXX Photography: Photos: Sian  @XXX

with these hands Lydia - Love Rouge "Open a bakery", she said... and that’s how it started.

6 years on and we’ve been through shop openings, business acquisitions, business closures, a flirtation with bankruptcy, business selling... and then we said “let’s open a bakery again!” There’s been tears, there’s been laughs and there’s been situations I’d rather not mention; what started as a mad idea has turned into a lifestyle that isn’t for everyone but is for us.

Sam - Wildcraft We began Wildcraft 3 years ago in Mina's kitchen, using her foraging skills, her passion for baking and bringing in influences of her Kenyan heritage. I am a fellow Coeliac who hadn't eaten ‘real’ bread in years, and I was so blown away by Mina's sprouted buckwheat sourdough that I quit a fifteen year career to join her in sharing artisan gluten free food with the world.

Becki and I now run a wholesale bakery supplying local businesses and larger companies with cakes and traybakes, we also do wedding and birthdays. We go through approximately 125 cake tins a week and over 500 traybakes a month; we have our hands full but with a team of bakers we get it all done... somehow!

Sometimes the last thing we want to do is make a cake and things go very wrong on occasions, but after doing it almost every day for 6 years we still enjoy baking, we’ve stuck at it, and we are looking forward to what the future holds!

Rosie Crabbe - Sift I started baking when I was a child, with my Mum and Grandparents. Memories of eating my Nan's lemon buns (as we called them in Yorkshire, precupcake fad) and fighting with my sister over who got to lick the spoon are embedded in my mind forever. I started baking again in my late teens, and continued from there, until I did an evening Patisserie & Confectionery class at Skipton’s Craven College in 2014, which led to me leaving my job at Salts Mill and working at Betty’s of Harrogate. In 2015 I moved to Glasgow where I worked for two years, making bread, croissants, scones and cakes in a deli-café in the fashionable West End. I learnt so much during my time in Glasgow, and though the 5am starts were hard work, the joy I got from baking every day and seeing people appreciate what I had made really was a thrill every time.

I had dreamt of opening my own business for years, but had not planned on doing it so soon! I fell in love with a property in Otley in dire need of some TLC. The building has a history of cake, having previously housed two different baker-confectioners in its 150+ year history. I like to make wholesome, hearty bakes like cinnamon buns, pumpkin and chocolate chip, and courgette and pistachio cakes. No calorie counting here! I also want to make the most of our local bounty, and keep things as seasonal as possible, so everything is at its best. I hope to make Sift a cosy, comfy place, where people can treat themselves to something lovely and take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasure of time spent in good company and nice things.

Liz Richardson - Porterhouse I started baking seriously in my free time a few years ago. I’ve always enjoyed it and totally transforming raw ingredients gives me a satisfaction that none of the jobs I did after uni came close to doing. After a while I started getting requests from friends and comments that I should do it for a living. To be honest, I never believed I could be successful, being self-taught; it took a lot of persuading. In hindsight I didn’t really know which direction I wanted to go in but had a vision of a bespoke small-batch offering with a focus on flavour and quality.

Early on I got some wholesale orders and was asked to do a Leeds Indie Food 17 event with North Bar. I started meeting people through that - Leeds has an amazing foodie community full of awesome people. I did the Belgrave Feast and Eat North a few times, and then started supplying Laynes Espresso – my favourite spot in the city! Everything happened quickly but it hasn’t been easy! Lots of long days, aching muscles, sore feet, mountains of washing up, endless cleaning, early mornings, late nights, and most of all, worry about maintaining quality and desire to continuously improve.

More than one in ten new food products launched last year were gluten free, and yet the quality is still often very poor, particularly in bread and yeasted products.

Our philosophy is to make unprocessed handmade baked goods which are not judged on gluten free food standards, but can stand up to its wheat-based counterparts.

As an allergy conscious bakery, we empathise with the difficulties people have with issues around food, and because of that, they often open up and share their lives with us. The experience when they try our food is very special to us and we never want to lose that connection or those relationships.

Without any training I still have so much to learn and it’s hard to find time around regular orders to experiment and expand my knowledge. I’m not complaining though; I get to be my own boss on my own schedule, I listen to music and podcasts as I work, and eat lots of cake for ‘research purposes’. Most importantly, creating things every day and watching people enjoy them is so rewarding. If I’m feeling run down it only takes a delivery trip to Laynes, where I see people enjoying what I’ve made, to perk me up. I finally feel like I’m one of the lucky people who loves what I do.

That, and the smell of hot cinnamon and pecan Danish pastries or cardamom doughnuts wafting around the bakery on a Saturday, are what make the early mornings, the long days and all the sacrifices worthwhile.

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O N R E T G H N E I F C I T T N Y E D P o n N s ' / t a W U h H E w A T / L ' P S W E G E O N DN AT'S ING SE O

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We Recommend Our guide to what’s on in Leeds

CHRIS ROCK ‘TOTAL BL ACKOUT’ TOUR 11-14 Jan ’18 / Leeds First Direct Arena Superstar comedian and Hollywood actor Chris Rock brings his first UK tour in 10 years to Leeds. Prepare yourself for a stomach tickling evening.

PIZZA & PROSECCO FESTIVAL PL ANET ROCK PRESENTS BAD TOUCH 24 Nov / Brudenell Social Club The 5 piece rock band from Norfolk bring their

17-18 Nov / Canal Mills, Leeds Grab yourself a locally sourced slice of pizza, 1 of 20 different types of prosecco, and snuggle up next to the outdoor heaters over at Canal Mills. What's not to love?

long flowing locks up north for their first ever

WOLF ALICE 18 Nov / 02 Academy Leeds Fresh from releasing their second studio album Visions of a Life back in September, the Alternative Rock fourpiece will entertain Leeds once again as they continue their steep incline up their music career

headline tour, supported by fellow rocker Mollie

JONATHAN PIE ‘BACK TO THE STUDIO’ TOUR

Marriott.

23 Feb ’18 / Leeds Town Hall Described as “electrifying” and “blistering”, Jonathan Pie returns to the stage following a sell out tour. Join him for a night of political comedy that soon descends into chaos.

FAT FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL 11 Nov - 2 Dec / Grand Theatre and Opera House

HARRY POT TER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS 02 Dec / FirstDirect Arena Watch this Harry Potter classic on a highdefinition giant screen as a live orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings to life a story that has since bewitched the world.

NICK WATERHOUSE 17 Feb ‘18 / Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen The singer-songwriter and producer from Los Angeles brings his Jazz roots to Leeds this February. Having already blown away those in the Nashville music scene, Nick will surely conjure up an incredible and unmissable performance.

Join the infamous group of TV’s most loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting in to the wedding dress of her dreams.

EASY CYCLE RIDE 19 Nov + 28 Nov / Nostell Priory House, Leeds An easy-going cycle ride ideal for everyone from beginners, families, and those wanting to build their confidence.

ILKLEY BEER FESTIVAL 9-10 Feb ’18 / King’s Hall, Ilkley

LEEDS CHRISTMAS MARKETS 10 Nov - 24 Dec / Millennium Square With over 40 ski-style wooden chalets to browse through, Leeds is one of the most established Christmas Markets in the UK. Authentic German traders provide a wide variety of seasonal gifts for everyone, including jewellery, hand crafted toys, and traditional German food.

Over 100 Beers & Ciders will be showcased at the festival’s 10th anniversary. Their beers are sourced from every corner of the world; some are sourced right on their doorstep, whilst others are sourced across the seas over in New Zealand, America, and even the tropical town of Huddersfield.

L a Marzocco: Out of the Box MAGIC L ANTERN FESTIVAL 24 Nov - 1 Jan ’18 / Roundhay Park The acclaimed Magical Lantern Festival is bringing the ultimate Christmas lights experience to Leeds, with hundreds of handmade, illuminated installations, unique grottos, rides and Christmas Markets. Perfect for the whole family.

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2 Dec ’17 / Duke Studios A cultural celebration: masterclasses, Industry Panels, Competitions, Street Food, Music, Workshops, Lots of Coffee.

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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 1 Dec - 6 Jan ’18 / The Carriageworks Theatre With a bag full of magic beans, colourful characters, creative costumes and a set straight out of a fairy tale book, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to raise the roof at Carriageworks Theatre with bucket-loads of laughter and the classic triumph of good over evil.

THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE 24 Nov - 23 Dec / Lotherton Hall Enjoy a day steeped in magical excitement. Enjoy the magical Twelve Days of Christmas Walk, visit Santa’s North Pole and help with present wrapping, or uncover the secret fair hideaway!

ELBOW 6 March / FirstDirect Arena Elbow are set to return to the first direct arena in 2018. Recognised as one of the UK’s biggest and most important bands, elbow have a welldeserved reputation for delivering arena shows that combine scale with intimacy to devastating effect.

THE COT TON QUEEN: A VINTAGE FILM SCREENING 14 March ’18 / Leeds Industrial Museum Don’t miss this screening of a classic 1930's film featuring a 'queen of industry' in a vintage 24-seater cinema. Based on Romeo and Juliet, The Cotton Queen was released in 1937.

This forgotten classic is a tale of industrial espionage and romance between warring cotton mill owning families.

INDIAN STREET FOOD • CRAFT BEER “These guys know their stuff, and it shows.”

“ You don’t miss the meat.”

The Independent

Bloomberg

“First rate Indian food at a bargain price.”

“Great for a first date or even a 100th date, this bar has cocktails, craft beers & delicious dishes.”

Metro

“The dream pairing of craft beer & food.”

Shortlist

“Some of best street food in Britain.”

Asos Magazine

“I wish that more places served spicy okra fries as bar snacks.”

New York Times

Grazia

GYÖRGY GORDON: FROM HUNGARY TO YORKSHIRE

Approximately 30 works, comprising paintings, works on paper and archival material are on display, including the three gifted works exploring themes of solitude and displacement.

“A no-two-mouthfuls-the-same delight.”

The Guardian

ZAK OVÉ: THE INVISIBLE MAN AND THE MASQUE OF BL ACKNESS 8 Apr ’17 - 3 June ’18 / Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle Yorkshire welcomes this extraordinary assembly of 80 sculptures BritishTrinidadian artist Zak Ové. The mass of identical two-metre-tall figures is a striking statement within the Park’s 18th century landscape.

PETE TONG PRESENTS IBIZA CL ASSICS

Best Cheap Eats Runner Up Observer Food Monthly

Olive Magazine

13 March ’17 - 25 Feb ’18 / The Hepworth, Wakefield, Leeds The Hungarian-born artist György Gordon became a refugee after fleeing the Hungarian Uprising of 1956.

25 Best Vegetarian Restaurants Sunday Times

“The food is excellent, the beer on point, & the staff are enthusiastic ambassadors for both.”

“A game changer. Everything it does, it does right.”

21 British Street Foods You Must Try Before You Die Buzzfeed Top 10 UK Indian Restaurants TimeOut

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12 Dec / FirstDirect Arena Performed by the 65 piece Heritage Orchestra and conducted by Jules Buckley, Pete Tong returns to Leeds this year with a brand new show.

BUNDOBUST.COM In each magazine we presenT some recommendations with full listings online and weekly newsletters.

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North Wind by Huw Parlor

A Winter's Tale The Wynter Queen by Emily Chapman The Wynter Queen had dressed herself in black, in immaculate skirt-suited stillness freezer-burnt cheeks, her soft stone brow set into a line lit by a bus-stop lamp motionless but for cigarette-smoke tufts which bolted for the sky we shivered, but her fur-collared coat hung loose her arms weren’t wrapped around themselves, she didn’t hop from footto-foot she was separate from the sleet and slush an icicle made flesh suspended hovering lingering the first soft flakes compacted to make a human, almost blueish was her skin that soft blue hue light flushes when its fingertips brush ice’s body before it shatters leaving flecks of colour scattered through the air around her all sound seemed muffled its voice lowered to a whisper folded in the freezing fog

Veins of frost snaked and crackled from his touch, whirling and spiralling up and away over brickwork, ivy and stone. Each blade of grass shrouded itself in prickly winter coats as the loam beneath grew hard and thought on ancient days much like this. Days where the North Wind had blown so vicious and strong that all the World had known his gaze and great woollen beasts had followed his call. King Breeze as he was then; Lord of ice and snow, bringer of ceaseless cold; chiller of bones and wielder of Maelstrom and Blizzard.

But those regal days were long since passed. Now he was little but a crook commanding petty gales and frigid gusts. His old friend Rain was seldom company anymore and Snow hadn't been seen for years past.

The world was hotter now, drying out. Of course he'd known it would come, but not nearly so soon.

Why, it'd been barely 15,000 years since his last great dominion! The upstart Thermals that taunted him so should've remained but a mere nuisance for at least another 50 millennia...had they not had help.

Mankind. Grubby little apes that had survived and thrived despite overwhelming odds. North Wind had respected them, admired them! At the zenith of his powers, he could best only small groups of these tenacious mammals. They'd had their protectors of course; The once rare elemental Queen Flame had given her services willingly to aid those blighted creatures and been worshipped a God in her frail kingdom. She was more abundant now, though trapped, imprisoned and seldom as free and glorious as she once had been. They couldn't quite tether her as they had him however; as they abused her power and heated the world with their lust for fuel and energy, they only enflamed her spirit and made her more beautiful, more terrible than ever before. She was becoming their God once more, but inversely they now saw her as but a commodity and a nuisance. It would be their undoing, lest they sought other means to survival.

she climbed upon a bus, the wynter queen the snow came down the light glued itself back together

North looked on from his lofty peak above the city.

In one last attempt to flex his power, to show these humans the error of their ways, he was bringing winter to the city of Leeds. As he'd sent shivers through a cluster of young children that morning, he'd heard them talk about Christmas and Snow. One they spoke of with glee; presents and puddings and tinsel galore! The other with a sense of mysticism and curiosity; none of them had ever seen Snow before, save one. This child spoke of thick duvets of white that shielded the World from Winter and put out the lights of the year for months whilst all the little animals slept safe and warm. They spoke of crisp footsteps and thick clothes; chilblains and hot chocolate to scare away the frost. They said Snow was the best, the most exciting of all the Weather Sprites. North Wind was inspired and thrilled to hear one so young speak with such passion and love for Winter and the cold. It filled him with hope...and a plan.

Though it took every ounce of strength in him, North extended his icy reach across the entirety of Leeds. First he'd hardened the Earth, then the trees and winter plants. He'd sent the beasts away to their hibernation and crackled window panes with dancing designs whilst he dripped icicles from branch and gutter. He was bringing Winter back to this City; a proper winter, to remind them of what once was.

This was just the beginning, a blue-white carpet laid out for the guest of honour. He could hear her on the horizon, her voice sining loud and high over the sea as she rolled in on tall and raging clouds. Snow, his old friend, was here.

The first flakes fell on the roof of the Trinity Centre and landed unnoticed, melting away so quickly on the glass roof. But these were simply heralds of greater things; North and Snow working hand in hand brought an icy blast to Briggate and rapidly then through every other street and alley in the town, fanning out to the suburbs, twisting and winding, covering everything and everyone in deep flurries of snow. People laughed and danced in the resulting whiteness; throwing snowballs and playing...an instant, nostalgic reaction, harking back to happier times. But North was spent. This one-off gift had taken everything he had.

As he quietened himself to sleep, he could already see the ice beginning to thaw…

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37

VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CAMERA SPECIALISTS wycameras.com // 0113 246 0868 // sales@wycameras.com

Buy shiny new things, sell unused, dust-gathering equipment, or just ask our advice. We’re situated in the wonderful Victorian Leeds Corn Exchange. Beware the life-ban board!

Woodbine Lizzie by Evie Whitaker Fidgeting hands and marching feet, A woman known better by the street.

Maybe mad and lonely, maybe cold, Or a woman with a voice much more bold.

The snow settles on her before the alley, Give lizzie your tabs she’s keeping tally.

For you will want her to be a friendly face, In the city where she can taunt and chase.

She has a story to tell yet nobody to listen, If only they’d see her eyes still glisten.

The choice she made was not in vain, Bracing the winter with no sign of pain.

Watch out for Woodbine Lizzie they say, Roaming around Briggate day after day.

She’ll brace the seasons with no doubt, It’s those woodbines she can’t do without.

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Words: XXX Photography: Jeremy Kelly  @jeremykelly_

Family Fortunes

Kevin: I decided to join the family business in 2004 after becoming disillusioned with the corporate world. I hated working for companies I didn’t believe in and wanted a new challenge. I believed in the brand, product and ethos, but realised it needed a lot of work to move it forward from one shop.

Reza - Darvish I used to work at Darvish for about three years. I enjoyed it but saw the struggle from the previous owner. He arrived into the country with his wife 14 years ago as asylum seekers. They had worked in catering and hospitality before so they thought it would be easy to start from scratch and set up a family business with the food from their culture. He decided he wanted to move and offered me the chance to take over - I loved it there so I did, and Darvish still runs as a family unit.

Alexander Neil - Roland's In 2014, my brother Jonathan and I opened up Roland’s Bar on Call Lane. We had both grown up in the business, with our parents owning serval pubs in the North East. Jonathan went off on his own first when he opened Boutique in 2005, while I spent most of my 20s working abroad in bars, restaurants and cruise ships. It was around my 30th birthday when Jonathan told me that we had a licence granted on a site in Leeds, and would I like to work with him on this new venture.

We opened Roland’s together with a tiny budget, so most of the work we had to do ourselves getting the place ready. The first times we actually did any work together was painting and decorating in the middle of the night, or simply tidying up after the skilled builders had finished for the day. We’d both admit that isn't our strongest skill, and along with the budget, that dictated the shabby chic look of Rolands.

When it comes to working together properly, we both have very different skill sets. I’m more customer facing whilst Jonathan is more spreadsheet facing.

Basically I look after the front of house and he looks after the back; we get along brilliantly as long as we keep our separate jobs.

In the early days of opening we couldn’t afford staff, so did all the bar shifts together. We were both very relieved when after a few months the money was coming in and we could get Jonathan off the bar. Recently, due to staff holidays, we both found ourselves serving at Roland's together for the first time in 3 years; although we had a fun night, and our regulars found it hilarious, I’m very happy that it doesn’t happen too often! Separate jobs is very much the key to success and sanity.

Lots of people say they could never work with their siblings, but we make it work. The best thing about working together can also be the worst thing; we both know each other better than anyone else.

Arguments and disagreements do happen from time to time as they would in any relationship, personal or professional. The advantage we have is that any falling out is forgotten very quickly.

Working together can’t be too bad, or maybe we’re just suckers for punishment, because earlier this year we opened The Domino Club in the Grand Arcade and are immensely proud to be contributing to the great Leeds independent scene as brothers. Going forward, there is still plenty we’d like to achieve together.

The con of working as a family unit is that you can’t run the business with the formality that you would with strangers, so it’s harder in the sense of disciplining. But the benefits outweigh the con; you can tell that the family members care more about the business than normal members of staff, you can tell they want the business to do well - which is why I think it is better for a business to run in the family.

Darvish is probably the oldest Iranian restaurant in Leeds, and one of the things we are trying to accomplish is to offer people who know the culture and don’t have employment a place to work and feel accepted. With the number of Iranian refugees coming into the country we want everybody, no matter their culture, to have a place to make friends and eat food.

Leeds is a beautiful city, it is multi-cultural city and definitely one of the most diverse cities in the North of England. Having a restaurant here is an amazing opportunity to explore the mix-up of different cultures and experience such diversity.

Lee and Kevin Fernandez Rafi’s Spicebox Kevin: Rafi, our mother was from Hyderabad, India, and our father, Malaysia. We were both born in London but grew up in rural Suffolk. I then went on to University in Leeds before working for Barclays, La Redoute and Poulters.

Lee: I went a different route and pursued art until 17, before moving into food and working in kitchens from a young age. Instead of playing sport I was in the kitchen with mum learning recipes.

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Lee: The business began in 1989 and I joined in 2000.

It was all Rafi at this stage and I brought some slightly different ideas, including starting a website in 2002.

I then ran a successful vegetarian cafe which was connected to the shop. When Kev joined we set up York together, and that’s when the ideas began to flow.

Kevin: With my background I have adopted all of the formal planning, Marketing, HR, Finance; Lee has a more creative background and is responsible for things like recipe development and training of staff.

Lee is more outgoing, but strategically we work very closely together.

Lee: It can be incredibly hard work but I would say it is outweighed by how satisfying it is. I wouldn't have said this 5 years ago but currently it is incredibly fulfilling.

Kevin: We share the same passion and it’s an integral part of our family make up. We have trust in each other and a great sense of reliability, commitment and integrity. You get to work together with someone who has the shared desire, drive and passion for what you do. That is quite rare in a normal organisation. Lee is driven by the fact it’s a family business, it is the family aspect that keeps him motivated and allows him to maintain his personal involvement. It is difficult sometimes to separate work and life, it definitely was much more so with mum. The close knit relationships sometimes lead to greater conflicts, and decision making can be slightly more awkward, especially as we expand. But it's been an incredible last decade with my brother that has brought us closer together.

Lee: I’ve given everything I have to this business, but in the nicest possible way. It affords us great luxuries in our life in terms of working. I spent 7 months traveling Asia last year, working on recipe development and practicing yoga, and then i slotted straight back into work with some great ideas for how to move forward. I’m so lucky to be able to do that.

Kevin: Having an independent business we are very lucky with the freedom that we are able to make all of the decisions for ourselves. As the business grows successfully our confidence in these decisions grows.

It’s important for us to maintain our family values, ethos and passion. This is all made possible by having a great team of people around, who feel more like an extended family.

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Words: Lauren Hockney Illustrations: Emma Saynor  @emma_illustrates

Ahh Otley - you inspire us with your traditional pubs, nifty little bakeries and your beautiful surroundings. All of this in combination with your thriving sense of love and community makes it seems like there is never a dull day when spent with you, as there is always something going on.

For those who don’t know, the town of Otley nestles in between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales - which means we get the benefit of having it as part of our thriving city, whilst also getting to enjoy the quiet scenic vibe of the countryside at the same time. This means there are plenty of green spaces to explore in Otley, especially the likes of Otley Chevin and Wharfemeadows Park alongside the river. Otley’s natural landscape means it is perfect for walking, hiking and climbing/ bouldering, which there are a number of clubs for.

Not a walker - but a cyclist perhaps? There are a great deal of opportunities for you to get on yer bike in Otley, and The Otley Cycle Club runs many different groups and activities for everybody, no matter your age! So if you want to ride solo or enjoy the view with others then Otley is the place. If you are into sports then there is also a short walk to the Rugby Club where you can get your game on!

Otley’s previously mentioned picturesque location makes it an amazing place for filming or snapping photos - so if you’re looking for some inspiration then Otley is a great place for you to capture. Several programmes such as Emmerdale and Heartbeat have the privilege of having Otley as a filming location - as it is only the best for proper Yorkshire soaps.

The town of Otley is heart to a lot of amazing independents, which only drives the community more and more. The abundance of bakeries and cafes make Otley a great place for a cuppa and some cake, and some of these little joints also host activities like art workshops and classes, which emphasises the creativity and culture this town has.

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As true Yorkshire folk, we love ale and beer - and for this, Otley doesn’t disappoint. There a lots of traditional pubs in the town centre that serve local real ale and beer, some of said pubs are located within the marketplace which makes for a cosy atmosphere - especially great with the up and coming winter months. Many also host live music, making it a great place to drink any time of the day.

We mentioned the pubs doing live music, but the live music scene is a completely different ball game in Otley and it something it prides itself on. There are regular events from the Otley Ukulele Orchestra and the Otley A Capalla Choir for you to enjoy, as well as a folk festival which runs in September.

In addition to the cafes, bakeries and pubs - there’s a lot of independent traders due to Otley being a market town and many have stalls. As well as the market stalls there are nifty little craft shops, amazing bookshops if you are a booklover and charity shops to grab yourself something quirky.

For art and culture, there are a number of community spaces for the creatives in this town to enjoy.

There is Otley Courthouse which is an arts and resource centre, which hosts a number of different classes from yoga classes to Spanish classes meaning there is something for everybody. It also acts as an exhibition space for a number of local artists to showcase their stuff. Otley also has Woolpack studios which is a community music and art space for people of all ages to enjoy.

Not to be missed is the iconic clock tower in Otley’s marketplace - which features a plaque that thanks the people of Otley for welcoming Belgia refugees in WW1. Well, we’d like to thank the people of Otley for making your town a place full of love, creativity and diversity and providing something for everyone.

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WE SELL A RANGE OF COFFEE BREWING GEAR

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Words: The Dig Family Photography: Tony Jacobs  @thewrongspeed Chris Hood  @thingsonfire

Come as you are

Lubi : I fancied starting a Latin music night and Gip suggested doing it in the basement of Coconut Grove, Ricky’s Nightclub. In 1986, 'Club Afro Latino' launched, the first weekly salsa, Latin and Afro party in the north of England!

Gip : Ricky’s was the place where we first used the name 'DIG'. Upstairs was changing from Coconut Grove to The Gallery and so I moved the jazz night downstairs. I called the night 'Dig Dis', the title of a famous jazz LP by Hank Mobley. We started to call ourselves 'the Dig Family' after that.

Eric : I came to Bradford in 1988 to study and was already into jazz, soul, blues and hip-hop. I started a club night where Chico used to drink. We became mates and he took me to one of the early DIG Family nights in Leeds where I met Gip and Lubi. We all loved the same music, clothes, films, books, and very quickly I was welcomed into the crew.

The first in our new series of chats with influential Leeds music characters invites the Dig Family to reunite and relive their many years of loving music together.

Lubi : I met Chico in 1978 in a record shop in Bradford.

We were young punks. We started bumping into each other at the same gigs and became good mates. We loved music, going to gigs, listening to John Peel on the radio, and later on we were in post-punk bands.

They were great days. Young men with no worries or stress, just loving music.

Chico : By 1981 we’d got into jazz and had a little bossa jazz trio - me on percussion, Lubi on bass and another mate on guitar.

Lubi : I started jazz DJ sessions and then we started working at the Bradford Jazz Festival in 1983. We jumped into the jazz pool completely. Buying records, wearing the clothes, putting clubs and gigs on.

Chico : For me it was The Pop Group from Bristol who did it. They had the raw power of the Pistols, the funk of James Brown, and wailing free saxophone. They changed the game completely.

Lubi : One minute, we’re blown away by punk rock, then that anarchy thing became a bit tired. So many bands were opening up to new music and bringing in jazz, funk and world influences. I loved it.

Gip : I made a similar journey musically; punk, post-punk, then jazz. The whole music scene was broadening out. Even the NME was covering jazz and African music. I launched a jazz night at our city centre Coconut Grove venue. When they came on the launch night, although we didn’t use the name for years, the DIG Family was born.

Chico : In 1985 me and Lubi went to a new jazz night to hustle a gig at The Coconut Grove. That's how we met Gip. Gip : They came into the venue on the very first night and tracked me down. They looked like a pair of 1950s cool jazz musicians; crew cuts, white t-shirts, wind cheater jackets, chinos, suede shoes. Lubi with the jazz beard even then. They said they were jazz-dance DJs and had a Latin jazz quintet. I’d never heard of people playing jazz for dancing. We hit it off.

Chico : Soon we were working with Gip on programming, artwork design, promotion and DJing, and our band Sonando was playing at Gip’s Downbeat sessions. Lower Merrion Street from 1985 to 1990 became a hub for jazz music in Leeds.

Chico : By the end of the 80s, our scene was changing a lot. House music made a huge impact. DJ Gilles Peterson coined the phrase 'acid jazz' as a joke when he was playing backrooms of ‘acid house’ parties, and it kind of stuck. The jazz dance scene morphed into acid jazz. The nights we ran were feeling a bit old now.

Times were changing. We had to change with them.

Gip : In 1991, Chico went off to live in New York and Lubi became a daddy. When Chico came back, we brought Eric in and launched 'DIG!' at The Gallery.

First night we opened, 350-400 youngsters rocked up.

Times had changed. 'Acid Jazz’ ruled now.

Chico : 'DIG!' was huge. I remember the Ronnie Jordan gig, the Carleen Anderson show, James Brown singers Vicki Anderson and Bobby Byrd, shows with French rapper MC Solaar and cosmic jazz legend Wendell Irvine, plus DJ Gilles Peterson and bands like Urban Species. We had 700 people packed into 2 rooms on a Wednesday night.

Eric : After 3-4 months of 'DIG!', the Gallery’s owner offered us a weekly Saturday night in the back room and we launched ‘The Cooker'. Pure acid jazz, funk, breaks, beats and hip-hop from the best DJs on the planet joining me, Gip and Chico.

Gip : Crazy times! 500 to 800 folks attending our sessions twice a week, and we started getting booked across the UK as guest DJs. Eric : I linked up with recording engineer Tom Quick and we started making beats. We put music out as 'The DIG! Alliance', some of the first generation of trip-hop recordings.

Independentleeds.co.uk

Gip : In 1994 the owners of the Leeds Town & Country Club approached me about a plan to build a standalone 350 capacity venue in their basement. I went to see it and said straight away “this is a jazz club”. So, they built it and called it 'The Underground'. We loved the place so decided to start a new jazz dance session there every Saturday and from day one 'Yardbird Suite' was packed.

Lubi : Me and Chico joined Gip and his brother John as co-promoters of the night. We really stepped it up from 'DIG!'. It was run as a business and not a hobby.

We booked international artists as well as promoting our own young local talented musicians. It became a scene on its own.

Chico : So many amazing gigs and artists played for us there: Jazz legends like Jimmy Smith, Joyce, Charles Earland, Mark Murphy, Azymuth, Brother Jack McDuff and Terry Callier. Plus every UK soul jazz and funk band passed through.

Eric : Two months after the Underground opened, they asked 'The Cooker' to move in on Fridays and we jumped at it. Every week was a sell-out and we started to get great DJs guesting. It was a special night.

Lubi : As if that wasn’t enough, myself and Chico launched a weekly Thursday salsa night at the venue.

Once again, 'Casa Latina' was roadblocked. It was a proper New York style Latin party, and we brought salsa superstars from New York and Cuba.

Gip : At this time, the mid to late 1990s, Leeds was the house clubbing capital of the UK. Each Saturday, big clubs would get 1000-1500 ravers. In our own way at The Underground, we were doing the same, but spread over three nights a week.

Lubi : From 1995 to 1999, things just kept growing.

Three weekly rocking nights at The Underground Leeds. Monthly DIG branded nights in Darlington, Manchester and Liverpool. Weekly radio shows on Jazz FM North and Leeds Student Radio. We were putting new music out on our two labels, Cooker Records and Yardbird Suite Records. We even had a band and DJ agency and an office. Things were great.

However, by 1999, The Underground was getting a bit tired. New venues were being built and we got tapped up and left.

Gip : First of all, The Cooker went to Atrium, the current site occupied by The Domino Club in Grand Arcade. And then a new basement club and live music venue The Wardrobe opened, and we took both the Yardbird Suite and Casa Latina there.

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THE DIG FAMILY REUNION III 15 Dec 17 / The Domino Club, Grand Arcade, Leeds 10pm to 4am - free entry - an evening of jazz, soul, funk, boogie and global beats with DJs Lubi Jovanovic, Gip Dammone, Chico Malo, Eric Speak aka The DIG Family - strictly vinyl

Lubi : I think splitting the three nights from the same club maybe affected the business. Also, compared to The Underground, these were big places; 450 and 600 capacity. A lot of pressure on filling them, which we did, but there were loads more competitors around by then, often copying what we’d been doing for the previous 10 years. It was definitely tougher as we went into the 2000s.

Gip : We all also wanted to do other stuff. The DIG Family was great but all good things come to an end. In 2002, the Yardbird Suite, The Cooker and Casa Latina finished. After 17 years, the DIG Family disbanded and we all went our separate ways.

Eric : I’d stayed on as a DJ at The Wardrobe but when they shut the basement club in 2007 I stopped DJing professionally. I never stopped buying and loving music and have been coming out for guest DJ slots ever since, strictly vinyl of course. I’m just about to launch a new monthly soul/funk/blues session at The Grove called 'Shake Yo’ Hips', starting 25th November.

Gip : I went back to my other great loves, food and cooking, with a renewed energy. Our family restaurant, Salvos in Headingley, went from strength to strength. Food had become the new rock and roll.

However, like Eric, I never stopped loving it and continued to put on live music at the restaurant. Right now, I have a monthly DJ residency 'No Country For Old Men' at Outlaws Yacht Club plus a show called 'Retrospect' on KMAH Radio, and I have live monthly jazz at Salvos 'The Sunday Sessions'. The beautiful thing when you stop DJing for a living is you really love music again.

Chico : I started working in HMV Records shop in Leeds running their jazz/world music section. When they closed the section in 2007, I got a call to be resident DJ at a new soul/funk/blues bar on Lower Briggate. That place is Smokestack and 10 years on, I am still the weekly Saturday night resident DJ at my 'Rootdown' session. I also play bookings for parties and function for the Highlife Entertainment Agency.

Over 30 years in the DJ game and I'm still loving it.

Lubi : I just kept on going as usual. Working professionally as a DJ, club promoter, live music promoter, music journalist, radio host and compilation album producer. I spent 7 years from 2002 to 2009 travelling Europe and beyond, DJing salsa across 25 countries. Over the last 8 years, I have been promoting live gigs again. My 'Soul Rebels' sessions across Leeds have continued where the Yardbird Suite left off, and my weekly 'Salsa Social' residency at Revolution De Cuba Leeds and my 'Calle Ocho' parties at The Faversham are my own versions of 'Casa Latina' today. I also have a monthly live jam session at The Wardrobe Bar called 'RE:SOUL', a hang-out for the current crop of young musicians from Leeds College Of Music. And twice a month, I host my 'Soul Rebels' show on KMAH Radio. Like the other guys, I’m still in love with music and have been blessed to have made this my job and career for 35 years. Long may it continue.

Words & Photos: Paul McKendrick  @gone_solid_gone

Leeds Eye View: Cafe Society Leeds centre's cafe culture has a vibe; sumptuous food, coffee and booze in beautiful independent boho city hangouts.

They're great places. But there is another cafe society in the suburbs of Leeds, anywhere within the LS postcode: Garforth, Osmanthorpe, Middleton, Meanwood, Horsforth, Chapletown, where tradesmen grab a bite and mums meet to chat.

I’m interested in showing the classic Greasy Spoons run by a Marg and a Geoff serving cheap bacon sarnies to an Ethel who’s been going there for 20 years. As an ex-postman I know them all. Small twotable joints stuck at the end of rows of terraces that were once the corner shops in Holbeck and Beeston, Harehills and Bramley, Pudsey and Yeadon. I wanted to capture the essence of these local hubs in candid moments of black and white.

It was fascinating to be in them. Virtually all were playing local radio stations; in quiet periods conversations would spring up about local issues.

I was struck by how similar all these places were, the same vibe, the same friendly welcome, the same chalkboard home-cooked menu and the same low prices!

I was amazed by the cafe owners; many deliver to the infirm and they understood their role in the community. Most of their clientele were regulars, on first name terms. The proprietors knew they could offer something different, something more personal.

No fancy lattes here, just tea or instant coffee in mugs not cups.

As a concept, some might not see the glamour in such a project, but as a juxtaposition to the Leeds City Centre Chic, it praises the mundane, the bland, and the sheer ordinariness of a still existent suburban working class and their local eatery.

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Words: John Barran Illustrations: Christine Jopling  @CJoplingIllo

Bubbling Under

But of course, the fruits, or rather the beers, of their labours make it all worthwhile, and rather than being restricted by their size limitations, small batch is used as a benefit; "It means we can play about with hops and flavours", explains Katie, and Carl agrees; "Small batch provides lots of ability to experiment with different brews."

Having seen their hobby change into their job, it would be understandable for these brewers to fall out of love with beer, but all four happily rebut this possibility; "I still love beer", states Nigel, and Keir continues; "It has made me more obsessed with beer and just expanded my love for it." "Being a brewer means I can understand beers better, knowing the process also lets me appreciate what other brewers are doing", Carl expands, and Katie concurs; "It's developed my taste.

I’m more inclined to try something out of my drinking comfort zone... after all it’s market research!"

At the start of this century, walking into a pub was entering a mass production of similarity.

Every bar in every city lined with Stella Carlsberg Guinness John Smiths or Heineken Carling Caffrey Tetley. Brewery-led taps of finance, without input from landlords, thoughts of flavours, or care for customers. We loved it; but we knew nothing else.

Whilst these places still exist, and indeed these drinks still dominate the market, the scene has changed considerably. Walking into a pub is entering a micro production of individuality. Many bars in many cities lined with unknown entities and obscure oddities, chosen by landlords, thinking of flavours, and caring for customers. We love it; but we know not why.

As the micro breweries that have driven this movement increase in popularity, the micro brewers can decrease in size. No longer having to inhabit large scale spaces to create saleable ale, Leeds folk are now brewing in their houses, their garages, or the back of their bars, and getting their beers into city taps, to greatly approving drinkers.

Keir McAllister Wilde is one such micro brewer who has turned his passion into his business, Wilde Child; "It is a one-man operation which runs in my garage", he explains. "I’d say that it's probably Leeds’ smallest commercial brew outlet at present."

The market they are in is one which has positively expanded to allow their entrance, and all agree this will continue long after, as Katie explains; "With more on offer and beer drinkers taking more interest in what they are drinking and where it comes from I think micro breweries will continue to do well."

Carl echoes these thoughts; "People are getting much wiser when it comes to knowing about beer styles and flavours and are seeking out the local craft micro breweries that are brewing some exceptional beers. I think this is only going to grow even more over the next 5-10 years."

This city remains at the forefront of the boom, with dozens of breweries and bars respecting tradition whilst moving forward. Keir enthuses; "Leeds’ is one of the best places for beer in the world. Put it this way, I wouldn’t want to be brewing anywhere else." But as beer trends widen to other countries and continents, Katie is conscious that the UK keeps its own beer identity; "Many great things are going on in the US and Europe but UK breweries have to remember there’s also some great British beer styles that we have to hold on to."

Despite Sunbeam, Wilde Child, Nomadic and Frisky Bear beaming about producing Vermont doubles or pineapple milkshake IPAs, there is an underlying tradition that suggests Katie's concerns are in safe hands. "A lot of people are switching to keg beer but I’m definitely going to be sticking to cask", assures Keir. Whilst Nigel simplifies his admirable approach; "I just keep brewing beer my customers like and don't worry about what everyone else is doing."

As these relatively new breweries plan to expand on their initial micro successes, and expect more that are bubbling under to rise up, Leeds is set to continue lining its bars with mass choice of micro brews. Not only can this city organise a piss up in a brewery, it can organise a brewery in a house, garage or wherever the piss up may be.

Not that there's a lack of tiny competition; "I have a 2 bbl brewery in my garage and there is just me", volunteers Nigel Poustie of Beeston’s Sunbeam, who, similarly to Keir, was taken on a spontaneous journey from innocent home brewer to brewery business; "I started home brewing around 9 years ago and won some national awards and it just got out of hand really", he half-jokes.

Another who learnt their craft by years of homeschooling is Carl Saint, who last year set up Frisky Bear in Morley; "I built up knowledge and skill and slowly upgraded my equipment as I went along", he says. "We currently own Oscars bar. All the brewing takes place on-site and it is all done by myself."

Also run from a pub - the basement in the Fox and Newt - Nomadic have double the person-power, which is to say, not a lot; "Nomadic Beers is just myself and Ross", says Katie Marriott. "We do everything from carrying the grain down to the brewery when it’s delivered to selling the beer and delivering the beer and even sticking the labels on our bottle range."

Indeed, these solo and duo operations means early starts, long days, and werk werk werk werk werk.

"Quite a few things can go wrong, and as a one man band there is only me to rely on", Keir confirms. "It's too much work for one person!" laughs Nigel.

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55

Wed 15th Nov

Thu 30th Nov

Run The Jewels with Danny Brown

+ Ivory Wave + Sugarthief

Sat 2nd Dec

Sat 18th Nov

30th Anniversary: Twenty Four Hour Party People Greatest Hits Tour + Jon Dasilva

+ Sunflower Bean + Superfood

Thu 23rd Nov

The Divine Comedy + Jealous Of The Birds

Doors 2.30pm

6pm-10pm

Happy Mondays

Wolf Alice

Sat 25th Nov

Fri 15th Dec

The Twang

Almighty Fighting Championship

8pm-1am

Alien Ant Farm + Soil + Local H

Thu 1st Mar 2018

Sat 16th Dec

The King is Back: Ben Portsmouth is Elvis

Extreme

+ Dan Reed Network

Mon 18th Dec Tue 19th Dec

Tue 6th Mar 2018

Shed Seven

Sun 3rd Dec

Benjamin Clementine

10pm-4am

Projekt - NYE

Thu 7th Dec

Mon 27th Nov

+ The Blinders + Average Sex

Sat 9th Dec

Hello Again Neil Diamond

Sat 17th Mar 2018

+ Blackfoot Gypsies

Tue 30th Jan 2018

Thu 22nd Mar 2018

+ Slim Jim Phantom

+ Therapy?

The Darkness Tue 28th Nov

Nelly

+ Sir the Baptist

6pm-10pm

The Wedding Present: Playing “George Best”

6.30pm-10pm - Show starts 7.30pm

The Damned

Sat 28th Apr 2018 6pm-10pm

Feeder

Sat 6th Jan 2018

The Best Of Tour

Alabama 3

+ Guest DJ Set from Graham Crabb (Pop Will Eat Itself)

The Streets

Tue 13th Mar 2018

The Charlatans

Love from Stourbridge The Wonder Stuff & Ned’s Atomic Dustbin Mon 23rd Apr 2018

Everything Everything

+ Cast

Sun 31st Dec

Wed 4th Apr 2018

Sun 11th Feb 2018

Brutus Gold’s Love Train

6pm-10pm

The Stranglers

The Amy Winehouse Experience Sat 18th Sep 2018

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Photos: Kirsty Garland  @photogarland Chris Hood  @thingsonfire

Digger's Island Discs

Sara Garvey (Comfy Bella / Nightmares On Wax) Max Graef – Rivers of The Red Planet

Digger's Island Discs explores the collections of Leeds' most prolific vinyl slingers and groove bringers to present us with the records they could not live without. This time, three top DJs from the terrific KMAH Radio each select their favourite song of the season.

James Shakeshaft (The Vinyl Revival)

edv3ctor (Social Schemata / Simpatico Sessions) Colder - Shiny Star Written and produced by Marc Nguyen Tan for Trevor Jackson's label Output in 2003, this single sits in the season not only in its title but also the project's name. Is it an ode to a bright object in the night sky or an allegorical love song? The intro is a spoken word seasonal greeting with a motorik groove reminiscent of krautrock or glamrock further in. The interplay of bass and guitar motifs and a simple keyboard refrain forms the melody. It appeals due to its minimal simplicity, nagging insistent groove and hints of dub.

I think I was late to the table with discovering this record; released on German label Tartelet in early 2014, I first heard it at the end of that year. This was one of the records that inspired me to get a radio show and also still influences my own productions.

It’s a main stay in my record bag, I think I’ve literally played every track on the album at one time or another on KMAH. It has great artwork and the sound has so much to give, something about the warm tones lends itself to being played in an intimate underground bar or basement club. It has that combination of magical, multi-dimensional wonky soul jazz, fusion, and raw experimental beats that needs to be heard on a winter night in a warm enclosed space.

Scott Walker - Copenhagen Taken from Scott 3, Copenhagen is a song I will always associate with winter, and particularly transitions.

I discovered it one morning during a bleak routine last winter when I was at work in an office. The sheer beauty of its imagery 'warmed my feet beneath cold sheets, dyed my hair with your sunny streets' dispersed the weight of the world. I could've cried, not out of sadness, it was the sincerity of its optimism and dutch simplicity of the vocal melody. This beauty, in stark contrast to the mundane nature of my December morning, was so exciting, totally invigorating, it meant everything to me at that moment. kmah-radio.com

59

Words: Words: John Barran Chris Hood  @thingsonfire

That's Entertainment

As Leeds heads towards its final victory lap of 2017, basking in the celebrations of a city fondly entertained, we continue straight into the first round of 2018 with the promise of more food more drink more shopping more lifestyle more music more nightlife more entertainment and more culture… harder better faster stronger!

After the excesses of ending old years and bringing in new, and as other cities recover with ‘dry’ Januarys, what Leeds begins the annum demanding and delivering more of is booze! Brewdenell kicks January into life with a three day festival of ale, and the rest of the city follows merrily throughout the year, with Leeds CAMRA and LS6 amongst the fine beer festivals that culminate with September’s mighty Leeds International Beer Festival at the Town Hall.

Increasing the percentages and the glamour at the same venue are Spring’s Gin Festival and Summer’s Cocktails in the City, whilst other spaces such as the stunning Corn Exchange host events that showcase more knock-out alcohols including whisky and rum.

With all that liquid to soak up, Leeds is thoughtfully putting on an equally full calendar of events to line stomachs. These are annually fronted up by The Great British Food Festival and The Yorkshire Food and Drink Show, with big city names and top local delights frequenting Harewood House and Millennium Square for their May and June weekends respectively.

In 2018, both are preceded by April’s giant industry exhibition World Food Festival at Royal Armouries.

The city has also had its taste buds recently invigorated

by Leeds Indie Food, a vibrant May fortnight of food innovation from and in a diverse array of the city’s rising independents. In the summer in the suburbs, several markets, events and pop-ups appear all over the city, at Otley, Horsforth, Kirkstall and Wetherby, and in the centre, terrific niche events such as Cheese Fest and The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival continue to push pallets forward.

As well as offering up the above abundance of festivities for the bellies, Leeds provides a feast for the mind and a fist of fun. Eclectic events entertain the many and the few, inside and out. There are specialist global conventions at the likes of comic haven Thought Bubble in September, and unique city celebrations such as visual extravaganza Light Night in October. In April, there are satisfying journeys from past to present at Leeds Print Festival and impressive explorations from present to future at Leeds Digital Festival. In October, there are fortnights of fine literature happenings in Ilkley and Morley, and throughout, there are days and nights of theatrical spectacles at Transform and Open Air

Theatre. As winter approaches, there’s family fun at Roundhay Park’s Magical Lanterns, and trendsetting at Leeds Arena’s Fashion Festival. And leading national summer celebrations of culture, the city comes together for the joyous parades of Leeds LGBT Pride and Leeds West Indian Carnival.

To get those feet moving, 2018 will see Leeds host its usual stream of sporting events, from the bottom to the top. In May and June, the Tour de Yorkshire and World Triathlon Series return, the same time as Test Match cricket comes to a new look Headingley. On the other side of the same ground, Leeds Rhinos aim to retain their title and potentially claim the World Club Challenge. They kick off the season in February at temporary home Elland Road, whose residents Leeds United will be hoping this is the year to bring top flight football back to the city for the first time in over a decade. To join in the exercise, there are inclusive runs throughout the year, most famously the city's 10k's in July and November and half marathon in May. Leeds is also a sight for sore eyes for movie buffs and art enthusiasts. Leeds International Film Festival is the largest outside of London, and shows an array of often excellent always interesting pictures from around the world at a variety of venues every November. Other fab film screenings also take place at No Gloss in Autumn and at Leeds Young in Spring.

Breeze in July and Love Arts in October are amongst

Independentleeds.co.uk

many displaying Leeds’ artistic talents, whilst 2018 also sees exhibitions continue at the newly renovated Leeds Art Gallery, family-friendly Leeds Museum, critically acclaimed Henry Moore Institute, and a host of exciting grassroots art spaces.

All those visions are equalled by a city keeping its musical ears open and close to the ground. There are events for all genres at a myriad of spaces, with classical, rock, dance and folk, performed from May to September at Leeds Piano, Slam Dunk, Cocoon in the Park and Otley respectively. These, and dozens of other noisy knees-ups that cater for the popular and the obscure, culminate on bank holiday bonanzas, with August’s giant Leeds Festival at Bramham Park, and May’s exciting Live at Leeds, a trip that spreads super sounds all over the city’s vital venues.

Of course, there will be a whole lot more than that mentioned above, and no doubt, exciting new events will pop up throughout the year. We'll try impossibly to keep on top of it. For this city will provide for its people from nose to tail. I say that's entertainment.

That's entertainment. La la la la la, ah. La la la la la, ah.

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Merry Independent Christmas

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