A food, drink and music festival is taking over a Leeds carpark this summer, bringing rooftop parties feat. the city's most exciting DJs and food vendors to the Merrion Centre.
Called Multistories, it's pulling in chefs like Matt Healey (former Masterchef) and The Savvy Baker to serve up tasty treats, accompanied by eclectic beat selections from some of Leeds' finest local DJs.
From eight storeys up, guests will get the chance to sample Matt Healy's all-new 'Tapas Xperience'and tuck into Savannah Roqaa's sweet lockdown bakes whilst soaking up some sunshine and enjoying expansive views across the city.
More food vendors are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Kicking off on 25th June, the space will have room for up to 350 guests at one time. The event takes a leaf out of Manchester and London's books, taking empty industrial or commercial spaces and repurposing them for creative events.
''Hospitality has taken some blows over the past 12 months, to say the least, and so Multistories was born to kickstart the industry in Leeds, encourage greener social space and celebrate some of the amazingly talented independents in the city," said Arron Fishwick, co-founder of Xperience Partners.
‘’Socialising in a car park may raise the odd eyebrow up north, but it’s a tried and tested concept in London that’s been growing exponentially for the best part of a decade. Level 8 will not only allow for some unrivalled views of the city, but some of the absolute best food and drink you’ll find in the UK.’’
‘’We’re honoured to be working with the likes of Matt Healy, the Savvy Baker, and can't wait to reveal more big names as they are confirmed. With everyone fed up with lockdown, we're hoping 2021 is going to be the much-needed summer of love we've all been craving. We can't wait to see the people of Leeds join us to make some lifelong memories.''
Multistories will operate from 4-10pm on Fridays, and between 12-10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can book tables for Multistories online to drink and dine in parties of up to six.
Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday 11th June and can be purchased via the website.
Find it at Level 8 CitiPark in the Merrion Centre.
Eats
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
The Swine That Dines announces the official opening date of its brand new restaurant
Clementine Hall
Much-loved Leeds Bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as The Swine That Dines, has moved to a bigger space in Headingley.
Although it’s gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals for some time now.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they’ve been operating out of North Street where it’s all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added ‘little bit of sunshine’.
But now Swine Bistro has moved up over to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
Image: Supplied
And the time has finally come for them to open their doors, as they announce their first service will take place on Friday 4 April with bookings open from today, Thursday 20 March.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
The expanded space in the restaurant has allowed the team to curate a bigger wine list which will include natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Image: Supplied
The team remains passionate about locally sourced ingredients and has partnered with a variety of Yorkshire suppliers including R&J Yorkshire for its fresh meat, Tarbetts fishmonger, cheese from George & Joseph cheesemongers and beans from micro roaster, Chipp Coffee Co.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant!”
Georgina Pellant -
11th June 2021 
