Eat North Says Goodbye for 2018

Well, that’s it then, summer is officially over. There are various ways of defining this.

The weather forecasters use 31st August as being the last day, whilst others use the autumn equinox around the 22nd September. To the street food aficionados of Leeds, the season ends with the last day of Eat North, after which most of the vans and trailers head indoors for the autumn and winter.
All photographs by Stan Graham

I was at the first Eat North of the year back in April, which was held in rain and drizzle, and have been to two others since, both in the sizzling heat of the great summer we have had. It was appropriate that the grey skies returned to mourn the closing, but luckily the rain kept off. The event had a real ‘back end’ feeling about it with, apart from the ever-present Rabbit Hole Travelling Coffee Shop, only four outlets serving hot food. These were Mor Mor, Little Bao Boy, Soul Shack and Melt Works Grilled Cheese.

Despite the weather there was a good turn out and the games were as popular as ever, obviously with the adults and not the kids, who are now back at school and probably otherwise engaged doing homework; yeah, right! The range of beers was up to its usual high standard, it is a brewery after all, and my pint of Sputnik was so good that I persuaded myself to have a second. I had sampled the wares of Little Bao Boy and Mor Mor before so I opted to try the produce of Melt Works. I splashed out £7 on the Beef Works sandwich containing five-hour cooked brisket in a barbecue sauce, caramelised onions, three cheeses and gherkins. It was amazing, the meat being succulent and the cheese melted over it, all in toasted bread.

As with all of the best parties the music was an integral part and once again was a mix of old and new, with just the right volume to be listened to without being intrusive enough to stifle conversation. Speaking of which, my lasting memory of the season is the number of people I have met and had great chats with. This time it was three chaps who were visiting Eat North for the first time. One was a graphic designer and the other two were fine artists. I could have wished for no better company.

In a way it was sad that the season has come to an end but, as with football and cricket, the closed season just adds to the anticipation of next year’s fixtures. It is also worth bearing in mind that although Eat North has gone into hibernation, North Brewery will still be serving their wonderful ales from the premises throughout the winter on Fridays between 4.00pm and 10.00pm and on Saturdays from noon to 10.00pm. If you prefer something a little more fizzy then they also have prosecco on tap; just a half for me, thank you! Should you feel the need for food in the absence of the street vendors, then they are happy for you to order a take-away to be delivered.

Enjoy the winter and I look forward to seeing you all at Eat North next April.

 

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