Leeds loves food - all weekend long

RECORD numbers of foodies flocked to the Leeds Loves Food festival to sample culinary delights from across the city.

Marketing Leeds claims 35,000 people enjoyed the blazing sunshine visiting more than 100 stalls packed into Millennium Square to devour dishes from every corner of the globe.

“We’ve had a TV crew from China who’ve been talking to people which will promote  Leeds out there and we’ve also has journalists from Turkey and Russia."

“It’s exceeded our expectations as this was the first time we’ve done the festival in this format, but it has felt comfortable as it’s been a steady flow all weekend,” Marketing Leeds’ Alison Sweeney told Confidential

“There’s 101 stalls here which is a record, and that doesn’t include 20 stalls in the Deliciously Yorkshire area for local producers who sell their own products.

“The event is free which has helped bring people in, but I’ve seen loads of people coming back over the weekend and they’ve been telling family and friends about the festival.”

The three day event also attracted journalists from around the world to see what the vibrant local bar and restaurant scene has to offer.

“We’ve had a TV crew from China who’ve been talking to people which will promote  Leeds out there and we’ve also has journalists from Turkey and Russia.”

Most of the restaurants and bars in Leeds took stalls at the festival and Brassiere Blanc used it to promote their range of kitchenware.

“We’ve been restocking all weekend with the mussel pots, cookery books and aprons doing particularly well,” said Brassiere General Manager Jayne Castle.

“The atmosphere has been fab all weekend, and the great weather has definitely helped bring people in.

“It’s been a great chance to show off the retail part of our business which some people didn’t know about, and also to show off what the Wharfside has to offer.”

The big crowds were an ideal opportunity for local independents Fish & to promote their quirky fish and chip products before opening a new mobile outlet on Commercial Street.

“It’s been really fantastic atmosphere all weekend and we’ve done better than we expected, so we’re pleased with the way it has been organised,” says Fish Etc’s Fiona Rotheray.

“All the traders have got on really well sampling each other’s food and the feedback from our customers has been really positive.

“I’ve been involved with the festival from the start and it’s the best one yet.”