#6 Fresh food at Leeds Market


Taking on Leeds biggest market was no easy task – but we headed there last week to see what was on offer and what makes this place so special to the people of Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire.

Taking a Leeds insiders view on the best in local, we decided a visit to the market would be a great start to showcase the best in Leeds food and regionally sourced produce. Arriving at Leeds Train Station we took the short walk across to Leeds Kirkgate Market to sample what might be on offer. The first experience with a market like this one is the immediate arousal of the senses; noises, sights and smells are in delightful abundance.

We made our way through the rows of flowers, independent traders and busy stall holders to the butchers and fishmongers. The neat and precise arrangement of mackerel to monkfish and king prawns to mussels made a for an impressive sight and head turner for anyone coming into the market. We spoke with the incredibly dedicated and friendly S.Myers who explained to us that a lot of their wet fish, like the deliciously looking sea bass and golden smoked haddock, are hugely popular with local customers. It was clear that a real dedication was at the heart of the traders here. In this case, the harboured Flamborough crab remained a strong support for everything local. Even as far as sourcing from Scotland, we felt that the fish at S.Myers and those like it provide customers with a constant quality and reassurance; two things which are arguably at the heart of a good market.

A market makes an excellent platform to celebrate local food. Like the rows of fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers and other stalls before them, we arrived at the food hall were a dozen or more street food traders were showcasing the very best in regional food. Whilst we were taken aback with selection and impressed with what was on offer, we eventually and after some thought settled with Manjits Kitchen. Following a busy night at Leeds first night market the evening before, the Indian style street food did not disappoint. A reasonably priced meal deal will set you back eating true Punjabi style vegetarian cuisine including delicious roti, onion bhaji, two separate curries, rice and drink. British street food finalists back in 2012, it was clear that Manjits Kitchen attention to quality and detail remained unaltered.

As we left now comfortably full, we thought long and hard about the success of markets in towns and cities these days. Despite the changes in transport, new ways to shop and improved technology in recent years, it is hard to imagine a town and city without a market. It still seems and rightfully so that people want a bargain whilst getting the best and freshest produce sourced as close to home as they possibly can. The market has not given up on the people just yet, and neither has the people given up shopping at them.

We made our visit on behalf of the super guys at Northern. Using a smartphone for ease in buying tickets and with over 2,500 regional train services a day – it was a pleasure to be part of their campaign for taking a closer look at the very best in everything local #wearenorthern

 To find out more check out https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/destinations/93-leeds/1629-award-winning-markets 



Popular posts from this blog

#22 Making a big deal out of small plates – simply put, Black Market are serving up flavours which are unquestionably some of the best in our region.

Image
Write up by Paul @fatfoodclub

We headed down last Saturday to meet owners head chef John, business manager Justina and their four-month-old Black Market restaurant. Taking on a grade 2 listed renovation challenge and being told the job would be complete in 12 weeks, it wasn’t until September last year and six agonising months later when the first guests to Black Market arrived through the door. The wait had been worth it - Black Market is small, bright, modern, chic and every other word imaginable to describe a cool and trendy independent eatery in the heart of Chapel Allerton, Leeds. The look and feel tick every box, but it is the food which makes Black Market stand out as one of the most exciting places we have visited in a long time.


Without labelling its food, John and Justina are open about what they want Black Market to achieve. They are humble about its early success. They are taking small steps each day and appreciate every success which comes their way. ‘We didn’t want to l…
Read more

#24 Visiting the Midnight Bell – A Leeds Brewery gastro pub serving up British classics in the heart of Leeds South Bank.

Image
It was around 5.30pm when I stepped off the train last week - immediately greeted by Leeds usual charm – the platforms were busy as people gathered whilst others piled off trains to head out for the evening. I walked away from the crowds and the station and onto the building frenzy that is becoming the newly developed South Bank. Its an exciting time for Leeds to see this part of the city flourish with a buzz of things to come. Tonight I was heading to the heart of this newly developing urban village where old meets new. Industrial times are well remembered in these parts and buildings not being built keep a firm grip on how Leeds once was. One such place and where I was heading this evening was gastro pub and Leeds Brewery owned, the Midnight Bell. With a contemporary feel set alongside traditional brickwork and wooden beams – Leeds Brewery have done an excellent job in making the Midnight Bell a place to stop by, have a pint and enjoy well cooked food. Guest ales, bitters and bottl…
Read more

#25 Fine dining at Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar

Image
The Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar at Harvey Nichols Leeds is something of beauty and charm. Expect fine dining in super cool contemporary surroundings with a selection of small plates that are served and decorated in style with taste that will simply not disappoint.
Capturing the seasonal feel and cooking with local ingredients is always a recipe to success and tonight we were getting exactly that. The food here is top end and it can’t be without question that Harvey Nichols is putting just as much thought into their food as they are their fashion.


The small plates from their bar menu are reasonably priced (expect £6 – £8 per dish from the kitchen with snacks and desserts a little less) and cover a range of flavours and tastes. For example some of the dishes we were trying this evening included a cured salmon with avocado mousse, beetroot and horseradish to a picture-perfect pork belly, guacamole lime and crispy shallots to the super rich and almost heavenly pecan chocolate brownie…
Read more