Spring in the step as Chow Down announced first details

Chow Down, Leeds’ biggest outdoor food and drinking venue, is back for 2023. The popular venue at Temple Arches, will host an array of food and drink events, music and new entertainment fo the whole spring and summer, it’s one big party, opening the doors on Thursday 6th April.

In 2023, a brand-new Urban Garden will open, making it the largest garden in the city centre. Chow Down will also feature an improved Tipple Cocktail Bar, a larger and tastier food selection, and new events like All Day Parties, Dog Social, and more.

One of Leeds’ most popular pop-up restaurant, Braizin’ Squad, are the first to be announced as Resdient Kitchen, taking over the pots and pans for the first half of Spring. These guys are bringing something new and different, along with the open fire cooking that earned them a mention in The Observer as serving one of the best Sunday Roasts. Chefs Jamie Marrion, Jordan Kaye, and Michal Marud have extensive experience in the Leeds hospitality scene, having previously worked at Ox Club, Stockdales of Yorkshire, and various locations in Japan.

Jamie Marrion, Braizin’ Squad says “Keep your eyes peeled for us at Chow Down this spring, expect Smokey flavours, braised meats all cooked over fire and regular specials as we like to keep everything fresh..” 

With the debut of the brand new Sunday Brunch event, the resident kitchens will be providing Leeds with its largest brunch service, complete with relaxing tunes, excellent coffee, and delicious brunch fare. From the Battle of the Burger to the Leeds Indie Food Wing Fest (May) to the summer’s special Taco & Tequila event and beyond, the food festival season is officially kicking off.

Other food will come in the return of Bastards Bistro as resident after a successful Winter kitchen takeover, Archchi’s, Cluck n Dough, Colombo Street, Fire & Dough, Hoi Polloi Street Kitchen, Homeboy Pizza Co, Nasi Lemak, Nikos Comfort Kitchen, Little Bao Boy, Little Red Food Cluck, Shoot The Bull and Sri Non Thai. 

Entertainment this year will be in the form of the instant sellout Camp Presents Drag Brunch and regular Bingo Lingo’s plus additional Floating Art events (food meets drawing classes) plus brand new Guilty Pleasures and the return of Dog Social (one for the furry babies). 

A blend of internationally known DJs and top class local talent will take over the decks at Chow Down throughout the summer once again. Keep an eye out for our brand new all-day parties featuring some very special guests to be announced over summer.

Abi Whistance / Andy Downtown Science / Aoife / Barry’s Here / Bay-Bush-Ka / Campo / Clandestino / Craig Christon / Everton / Finnegan / Foz / Georgie Hall / Gip Dammone / Harry Rock / Jidgy B / Lisa Jane / Mezla / Musical Metaphors / Ninety Nine / No H / Release Records / Rufus / Sal / Seth Chohan / Scott Broadhead / We Are Fierce Collective 

Launching Thursday 6th April, as the Easter bank holiday begins, Chow Down will run Thursday-Sunday throughout the year ‘til end of August. 

Matt Long, Founder Chow Down and New Citizens, said: 

“With the opening of our brand-new urban garden, which will be the ideal spot to soak up the sun this summer, I expect a very busy season. In addition to our own Taco & Tequila weekender, we will be hosting a number of new events this season, such as Guilty Pleasures, Floating Art, the Battle of the Burger, the Wings fest in collaboration with Leeds Indie Food, and the Wings fest.”

Bookings for Chow Down go on sale Friday 17th March via the website. Chow Down is here till August but bookings will only be able to be made up and until May https://www.chowdownevents.co.uk/ 

Launching Easter week

Thursday 6th April

Opening Hours: 2023

Thursday 17:00 – 23:00

Friday 17:00 – 23:00

Saturday 12:00 – 23:00

Sunday 11:00 – 18:00