I must begin by offering my sincerest apologies to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as I was not able to witness their nuptials on Saturday, 19th May, being otherwise engaged – see what I did there – at the Eat North event at North Brewing Co. in Leeds.
This is the second Eat North I have been to this year after attending the opening bash on 28th April. Although the format is the same each week, the events could not have been more different. The drizzle which literally put a dampener on the first one was replaced by bright, warm sunshine and, possibly because of the Royal Wedding, the crowds were a lot smaller, at least to start with. By the time I left in mid-afternoon the place was beginning to fill up. I tend to have that effect.
The street food vendors had also changed as the aim is to give as many outlets as possible a pitch over the summer, apart from Rabbit Hole Coffee which adds brownies and ice creams to its coffee offer and is a permanent fixture. Although they have not been at Eat North this year the stalls will be familiar to those of you who visit foodie events in Leeds, with the calories being supplied by Sabroso Street (Mexican), Little Bao Boy (Bao buns), Little Red Food Truck (burgers), Sugar Spun Sisters (sweet treats) and Oh My Glaze (Amercian-style wings and wraps).
As I had partaken of dishes from most of them before I decided on some hot glazed chicken wings from the latter mentioned. As it said on the menu, they came in a hot, sticky glaze, worthy of three napkins and a hand wash, and were garnished with coriander and pomegranate seeds. They were just right for a hot afternoon, especially when washed down with a pint of North Brewing Co. Sputnik Ale, a light, refreshing beer and at 5% a bit strong for a session but a bargain at £4.
Someone I neglected to mention in the article I wrote about my first visit was the DJ. He played some amazing music which suited the occasion perfectly: soul, reggae and funk and with no chat in-between, although at that time of day it was mainly there as background sound and I am assuming that it may have got a bit more involving as the night crowd arrived.
This really is a most pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon, no matter what the weather, and I am sure that the event will go from strength to strength throughout the summer. Next Saturday, 26th May, is a #LIF18 Special so it should be doubly worth the trip.
Stan Graham
