Leeds’ independent foodie scene unites once again for the month of May to present Leeds Indie Food Festival, a celebration of the city’s unique food and drink industry. Last year saw over 100 businesses collaborate to delight diners, drinkers and street food lovers, and this year’s events only promise to be bigger, better and bolder.

Tickets to the festivities are avaliable from http://leedsindiefood.co.uk, and this year sees the return of the Festival Passport scheme. Passports are priced at £10, and give festival-goers a chance to try new venues, with exclusive discounts and freebies.

With over 130 events across 19 days, In the Middle has picked out this year’s tastiest treats that shouldn’t be missed.

Northern Monk X Northern Bloc

[12th May – 18.30-22.00 – Northern Monk Brew Co]

Ice cream meets Indian Pale Ale when these two Northern traders join forces to create a truly unique tasting experience. Forget Mr Whippy and everything you thought you knew about frozen goods with these unusual flavours and combinations.

Free (Unticketed)

Brandon Street Night Market X Hedonist Project

[13th May – 17.00-23.00 – Chapel Allerton]

Another killer combination, everyone’s favourite food and drink venue Canal Mills are teaming up with cocktail heroes Hedonist Project to present a boozy edition of their street food night.

Free (Unticketed)

Vegan Best Before Bistro

[14th May – 19.00-22.00 – Armley Junk-tion]

Armley Junk-tion hosts a fundraiser for Simon on The Streets, a charity who aim to make a difference to people living rough across Leeds, Huddersfield and Bradford. Craig Worrall (Edible Leeds), Elly Robinson (That Old Chesnut) and The Real Junk Food Project create a supper from a fusion of wild and foraged ingredidents.

Pay As You Feel (Booking Required)

Women | Art | Food: A Woman’s Place

[19th May – 20.00-22.00 – Cafe 164]

If six courses of puddings sound like something you’d be into, look no further. Cafe 164 plays host to an evening celebrating and honouring powerful women in the patisserie and confectionary trade – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

£30 (£29 for Passport Holders)

Koko Afternoon Tea Party

[22nd May – 14.00-16.00 – House of Koko]

Take a tumble down the rabbit hole to Chapel Allerton and the House of Koko cafe for an afternoon tea party that promises to be anything but ordinary. Expect cute décor and speciality teas.

£22 (£19 Passport Holders)

 

Emma Bowden