Spending my University years at Leeds has been wonderful. I have fully immersed myself in the student culture. Weekends are like any other day, because at university everyday is a worthy day to party. It’s all down to you-whether you can go out on a Tuesday night till 3am and make it in to that 9am seminar, or not. You are the one in charge now. So you must appreciate what a rude shock working nine to five every day has now been for me- especially because I’m still in Leeds. The weekends are very much sacred, precious and even loved. I sit at my desk each Friday afternoon mind tired but eyes glued to the little clock at the bottom of my computer screen. I elongate tasks such as washing up my mug or making that fourth cup of green tea in a row. Even a trip to the bathroom may leave others wondering what strange bowel movements I’m dealing with. So now, I am part of the working classes and although I love catching up on my sleep, I try to do as much as I can on the weekend.
This weekend I found myself scrolling through ‘what’s on this weekend’ to try and find something fun and interesting. I must admit that being a student for so long in Leeds means that the only cultural thing I can think of doing is visiting a beer or jazz night, rather than coming together with the dub heads at the famous Warehouse nightclub, or going big at one of canal mills boorish nights. I seem to find that everything in Leeds is centred around drinking and sometimes eating-a fact that I really do not mind. So this weekend when I stumbled upon the ‘Belgrave Feast’ I was more than happy to partake in an eating and drinking afternoon in the retro environment that is Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen.
It was loud and the smell of jerk chicken, freshly baked pizza and tandoori naan permeated the air. There was a certain buzz with groups huddled round jugs of Pimm’s and pints of sol. Eager customers weaved through the crowds clutching charred hotdogs, chips and bao buns. My head turned with every boxed meal and although I had just finished some nachos and guacamole in the cinema I was in desperate need to try the bao bun.
I had my bao bun with cantonese chicken. it was glazed in sweet soy and had a slightly charred flavour to it. Inside was succulent chicken which paired wonderfully with the freshly cut spring onion. It was small but delicious and for £4 for one or £7 for two I had no complaints. Here’s a look at the company and the chef:
All in all the day was wonderful. Drinking a glass of white wine on the rooftop terrace with the odd bit of sunshine breaking through the gloomy clouds was a perfect way to spend my Saturday. I would definitely recommend the ‘Belgrave Feast’ and for those of you who decide to go to the next one-see you there!
Also bring cash, none of the food stalls accept card and you don’t want to have to go looking in search for a card machine! Shout out to the guy manning the pizza oven, our shared love for bao buns was endearing!
Bittersweet note but for anyone who tries to contact the entertainment team through Facebook they are awful with their replies. I have now sent three messages which have all been read and ignored-its a shame that such a wonderful establishment doesn’t have time to listen to its patrons!
Spending my University years at Leeds has been wonderful. I have fully immersed myself in the student culture.
Belgrave feast Spending my University years at Leeds has been wonderful. I have fully immersed myself in the student culture.
