“Chow Down Leeds is a breakout star of the Covid era” – The Guardian
Chow Down, Leeds’ premier outdoor drinking, dining and entertainment experience is back for 2022. The popular venue will return to Temple Arches, managed by property group CEG, after a successful 2021 programme which included a scorching summer takeover and the fabulously festive Winter Village.
2021 saw punters descend upon LS11 in their thousands to enjoy the very best in street food, cocktails, craft beer and live entertainment and now Chow Down returns this Easter, ready to whet the appetite of those hungry for more. Launching 14th April, as the Easter bank holiday begins, Chow Down will run Thursday-Sunday throughout the year ‘til 4th September.
New for 2022 will see Temple Arches transformed into a sun-kissed summer haven with new resident food kitchens (Downtown Food Village), a new three-tier sun terrace (Sunset Club), the return of the Tipple cocktail bar, new themed bars (Tanqueray Terrace) and the ever-popular Drag Brunch all set in the grounds of Leeds’ biggest outdoor space.
Thrillseekers will be able to put their putting skills to the test down on the green at the glorious Palm Swings – a brand new nine hole alfresco crazy golf course that is certain to be a crowd par-leaser.
If crazy golf ain’t your cup of tee, then perhaps the return of Drag Brunch to Chow Down will whet your whistle. A whole host of stunning queens will strut the hallowed turf of Temple Arches for an array of incredible performances with the action set to your favourite drag anthems – you better dig out your best heels! Further themed brunches will be announced throughout the season.
Music and entertainment is never an afterthought at the venue. ‘The Bay’, another new part of the site, will host a 360 DJ booth featuring acts such as Greg Wilson, The Cuban Brothers, DJ Paulette, Norman Jay, Shades Collective, Mr Wilsons Second Liners and further entertainment to be announced as the season progresses. The themes for the music programme will follow a similar path to 2021 with Thursday night being live bands, Friday named DJs, Saturdays will have local music talent and Sundays will host brass bands.
Food fans will have lots to drool over as Residents Kitchens are back after a successful launch at last year’s Winter Village. The downtown food village will feature two resident kitchens and three weekly rotating kitchens. Chow Down has become known for its eclectic mix of rotating street food vendors, and though this year will be no different, the venue will also be welcoming a handful of traders for a longer stint, bringing fresh and different ideas to their menus across the season.
For the first 7 weeks, Chow Down will welcome MorMor (Middle Eastern, North African & Mediterranean Street Food) and Sarto (pasta, sharing boards and more) who will launch special menus. Joining the resident kitchen further down the line will be Boro Slice (Detroit Style Pizza) and parmo’s will be hitting the venue for the first time, with Parmageddon later in the year. Holy Mountain will also be bringing his incredible BBQ and the brand new steak restaurant from Asada Kitchen will be also joining later in the year to ensure a sizzling summer.
The Weekly changing Kitchens until the end of May include the likes of Bastards Bistro, Spuds and Bros, Little Red Food Truck, Twisted Meal, Tikka Chance on Me, Big Mouth Gyoza, Mans Market and new traders Bao to the Sando, keeping the line-up fresh with something different each weekend.
Matt Long, Founder Chow Down and New Citizens, said:
“Chow Down is back and we couldn’t be any more excited for summer! With our brand new Art Deco concept we have a host of new additions to our venue and some killer entertainment. We’re kicking off our reopening with a huge weekend – ‘We Are Fierce’ takeover on Good Friday and Norman Jay MBE spinning on Easter Saturday. As well as that we’ve got some exciting new acts playing throughout the rest of the season, and legendary festival act, The Cuban Brothers join us to set off the summer vibes.”
Dave Olejnik, Owner Sarto:
“Chow Down has been such a fixture on the Leeds hospitality calendar for so long that we jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it! We’ll be bringing a version of Sarto for the first 7 weeks that features all the favourites people have come to know, as well as new ideas and menu items that will allow people to share and enjoy the spring weather!”
Lucy Renshaw, Strategic Marketing, CEG:
“Chow Down was a huge success in 2021 and we are delighted to welcome the team back in 2022 for what promises to be the most exciting transformation of Temple Arches yet! There is a real buzz in the Temple district, and with our Globe Point development set to complete this summer, it will only get livelier.”
Simon Fogal, Founder, Chow Down/ Leeds Indie Food:
“The Winter Village proved the team at New Citizens can pull off an incredible user experience at Chow Down within such space limitations. Spring and Summer will be elevated again, literally. With different levels across the Sunset Club, the Tanqueray Terrace. It has me thinking about the sunny days, a few drinks, some golf and incredible food. The Resident Kitchens are back and we can’t wait to see what the chefs come up with through the whole season from Easter to September. We will have around 50 traders at Chow Down this year, which is incredible.”
Bookings for Chow Down go on sale Thursday 10th March via the website. Chow Down is here till September 4th but bookings will only be able to be made up and until May https://www.chowdownevents.co.uk/
