New socially distanced dining space to open for summer

A new socially distanced venue for eating and drinking is set to launch for summer.

For ten weekends from Thursday 30th July, Chow Down @ Temple Arches will open a huge, welcoming space full of food vendors, and Leeds’ biggest beer garden.

Chow Down a collaborative festival event between New Citizens, Leeds Indie Food and Chapter 81, which has previously been hosted by the Piece Hall and Lincoln Castle, had seen all its plans for a “bumper 2020” cancelled. However, it is now working with developer CEG to create Temple Arches, a 22,000 sq ft open air venue on Globe Road.

The huge outdoor venue nestled in the city’s South Bank will be the latest venue to join the community of award-winning food and drink ventures, such as Northern Monk Refectory, Matt Healy’s The Foundry and the newly relaunched Cross Keys, which call the area home..

Matt Long, director of New Citizens and Chow Down, said, “We’re delighted to be able to bring Chow Down to Leeds for the rest of the summer and work with CEG. With businesses, restaurants, and pubs around the UK reopening, it’s amazing to see the city coming back to life.

“Unfortunately we saw all of our events cancelled during the pandemic, and with the majority of people having been stuck at home over the last four months, we brainstormed some ideas to create a permanent space for Chow Down.

“The team has designed an amazing and unique venue at Temple Arches, using shipping containers and pergola roofs to create an alfresco setting that’s both socially distanced and safe but also fun. It’ll be a great environment in which to enjoy all the great street food, drink, music and live art we have to offer.”

Emma Clarkson, placemaking manager at CEG, added, “It’s great to be working with New Citizens again, in order to bring activity to Temple Arches. This outdoor event space will host a series of creative, cultural and social activities in a safe way. It is part of CEG’s placemaking ambition to breathe renewed life into the Temple area, engaging residents, local businesses, and neighbouring communities.”

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