Leeds Independent Food 2016 is coming; are you ready to fill your boots?!
I went to the press night on Tuesday, and the amount of positivity and excitement was a wonder to behold (it wasn’t *just* in response to being stuffed with Ox Club’s amazing steak, chips, bearnaise and watercress pesto…but that certainly didn’t harm the vibe. As my horrendous 
photo does little justice to). Us Northerners like us grub, but I have to say, Leeds – we know what we’re doing.
SO…someone is excited (me, duh). This year there are more than 120 events throughout the festival, which runs 12th-30th May; where most events focussed around the weekend last year, this year’s festival sees you with something great to do EVERY NIGHT.
That makes a top 10 very difficult – but I’m going to give it a go! These aren’t events I’ve necessarily got tickets for yet, but they’re the ones I think sound most interesting / tasty / fun…
Head to the LIF events site to browse the bazillion events and get your bookings in (hurry up, they’re disappearing)!
So, without further ado, ten events I’d like to be able to attend during Leeds Indie Food 16:
10. Coming in at number 10, I’ve gone for the Brandon St Night Market with Hedonist Project. Expect street food from Jenny’s Jerk chicken, Pizza Fella and Northern Bloc fuelled by the Hedonists’ flair for rum, all to an ace soundtrack down at Canal Mills. This is a free, unticketed event.
9. At 9, we have Veggie Dinner at The Reliance. Already sold out (sorry!), this event sponsored by Guardian Local offers four courses served alongside a wine-flight – and you’re guaranteed not to miss the meat. SOLD OUT
8. Coming in at 8, I’ve ranked the Latitude “wines on tour” event. Located in a classy Lambert’s Yard setting,you’ll be served six courses of food by Richard Walton-Allen, complemented by six stunning pours. This is one for the vinophile. £49.99pp.
7. At number 7 I’ve gone for Filth – Dinner at the Manor. This would probably come in higher up my list if I had ever MANAGED to get a seat! Leeds’ first and best secret supper club sold out for its LIF16 event in lightning speed. If you have a ticket….don’t rub it in. SOLD OUT
6. Edible Art Show, the City of Cake comes in at 6. Charming Ellie of the Gallery at Munro House and Cafe 
164 fame spoke to us at the Press Launch for LIF16, and it sounds EPIC. Once again she’s recruited the Tattooed Bakers to make arty cake replicas – this time, they’ll be faking a model-village replica of Leeds. It’s a FREE event, hop down to nosh a local landmark (you know you’ve always wanted to).
5. “In Defence of Plants” at Sheaf Street Cafeteria comes in at 5. This mash-up from Sarah Lemanski of Noisette Bakery fame plus food blogger Izy Hossack has got to be a match made in vegetable heaven. FREE event, booking required.
4.At number 4, Thornback at Leeds Dock. This foodie event sees Brett Barnes, local lad who has cooked with Mark Hix and the *very* exciting Faviken in Sweden return to his hometown, alongside Mark Hix’s head chef Ronnie Murray at (a purpose-built venue) at the Leeds Dock. Expect a seafood focus with the local flair honed with Faviken…it can only be outstanding really, can’t it…
3.. At three it’s The wonderful Brunswick, with a Norre takeover. This promises to deliver three nights of Copenhagen-inspired food, complemented by natural wines, by the glass. What’s more, you’re in the The Brunswick, i.e. so laid back, you’re horizontal. WHAT is not to love, I ask you? DO IT. Tickets £39.
2. At number two, it’s Bundobust. Those tiny dishes have always had the key to my heart, and I reckon that the BundoBrunch series happening during LIF in conjunction with Laynes Espresso can only be a good combo. Masala Dosa for breakfast, anyone? Yeah, thought so. FREE, but book your ticket here. http://leedsindiefood.co.uk/events/bundobrunch-3/
- At number one, it’s a weird one, but it’s exactly the kind of great stuff I think LIF should be supporting more. I’ve gone for Live Art Dining, at Live Art Bistro. Combine three courses served up by the tasty minds behind The Greedy Pig with three especially designed and decorated rooms which contain interactive art performances. Can’t guarantee that they won’t put you off your dinner – who knows what sorts of performances we’re talking about here – but this could just be the most exciting event of LIF16. After all, supporting independent Leeds talent is what this festival is all about, and the lovely foodies of Leeds have always been generous – with their knowledge, with their success, and most of all, with their tasty food. Long may the culture of mutual support and friendliness continue in this fabulous city! Tickets £35.
Genuinely, a top 20 or top 50, even, would’ve been easy this year. There is not one event that doesn’t appeal to me; I’ll be making my way to as many as I can! I firmly advise you to throw your wallets and your diets out of the window for the month of May, and get onboard with supporting this epic Leeds festival, all about the most talented independent foodies our city has to offer at the moment…let’s show them how much we appreciate the ridiculous amount of tasty food being pumped our way! x
