Leeds Corn Exchange continues to champion independent business owners in the city as Cornucopia Underground, a day-long event jam-packed with foodie stalls, live demonstrations, panel discussions and music, takes over its piazza. On 20 September, the gems of Leeds’s gastronomic scene will join forces to create a spectacular showcase of the city’s cuisine under the striking domed roof of the historic building.
The event, which is curated by the Leeds Food and Drink Association (LFDA), will see the lower ground floor of the Corn Exchange host some of the city’s favourite food and drink venues. There will be excellent local food stalls ““ offering cheese, chutney, breads, cakes and jams and more. Refreshments come courtesy of Sela Bar’s craft ale and ‘beer pizza’ bar, while Leeds Corn Exchange’s neighbour, Latitude Wines provides a bubblier alternative with a Prosecco cocktail bar, or visitors can enjoy delicious scones at the Vintage Cream Tea Lounge.
A performance stage will host music, events and entertainment throughout the day, including acoustic musicians, panel discussions about the future of local food and Richard Johnson of The British Street Food Awards. All this will be free for members of the public to enjoy during the day.
In the Alcoves around the main area there will be a range of exciting, unique events ““ each ticketed separately. Cheese fans can take the Periodic Table of Cheese Challenge, and sweet enthusiasts can build chocolate robots. The Chefs Deli, soon to open in Leeds, is offering cheese, ham and coffee tastings, and newcomer 2 Oxford Place will offer food for the mind and body with expert yoga accompanied by delicious, gluten-free snacks. ‘ATOMIUM’ – is an apocalyptic beer-cocktail bar by North Bar with delicious beery concoctions and combinations, while Grub and Grog and brand-new brewery Northern Monk Brewery team up to offer a ‘beer-tapas bar’. There will also be a Food Fight between Latitude Wines and Yorkshire Wine School to find out who is best at matching great wine to food.
In the evening LFDA are staging a grand foodie finale ““ a ticketed celebration gala that offers a Leeds banquet of delicious foodie treats and exotic live entertainment. Performers include La Belle Burlesque, critically-acclaimed guitarist Mr Gary C, DJs and video performances. This collaborative buffet features food from some of Leeds’ finest supper clubs, makers and bakers, including Homage2Fromage, The Greedy Pig, Café Moor, The Reliance and Chapel Allerton’s Sunshine Bakery.
Nick Copland, of the LFDA, says “We really want to shine a light on the collaboration that goes on constantly behind the scenes in Leeds. It will be an amazing showcase and an opportunity for our members to flex their creative foodie muscles in the unique setting that Leeds Corn Exchange provides. With so many hidden gems in Leeds we felt it was time for them to step into the spotlight. We will also be making a very special announcement from Leeds Food and Drink Association on the day.”
The lower ground floor activities are free and open to members of the public. Tickets for alcove events and the evening gala can be purchased from http://foodanddrinkleeds.co.uk/cornucopia-underground/