Last updated 29th November 2023 New & Coming Soon Originally written

What happens when you bring Northern Monk together with The Falafel Guys in an iconic central Leeds location? The Northern Market, that’s what!

It’s here! It was only in October when Northern Monk announced they were taking over the former Assembly Underground venue on Great George Street with the help of street food heroes, The Falafel Guys. One month on, and this cool new beer and food hall is already open, providing the hungry and thirsty folk of Leeds a new subterranean hangout to get their fill of craft brews, street eats and frozen cocktails – here is The Northern Market.

But let’s roll back a second. How did it come about? As all good relationships do, with a slide into the DMs. “I got a DM on Instagram from Ahmed Gouda from The Falafel Guys,” Northern Monk co-founder Russell Bisset told us. “He’s said, ‘we’ve been trading down here for a few years, it’s gone really well, but for a number of reasons, it’s not quite worked out as Assembly Underground, wonder if you’re interested?’ So we got talking, looked at it in a bit more detail, and ultimately decided to go for it.”

Don’t expect the same venue as it was in its former guise. They’ve moved the bar from the back to the front, knocking through a couple of the old street food units to do so. They’ve also put their own look and touch on the space. Taking cues from the building’s 19th-century origins and Northern heritage, expect vintage trinkets, signage and fixtures sourced from everywhere from eBay to Camden Market.

The look is enhanced further by the stylish, throwback branding from Northern Monk’s Head of Design, Jon Simmons. It’s got a real old-school feel that comes alive with their collaboration with acclaimed local artist and songwriter Babb Sabbath, also known as Third Eye Signs, who has hand-painted signs across the inside of the venue. The gilded golden signs on the windows looking out to the street are just the final touch.

As good as it looks, you’re going to descend into this subterranean sanctuary for the food and drink. The former is headlined by The Falafel Guys and their glorious Middle Eastern food – their classic wraps or salad bowls are present and correct, alongside specials like the special donner wrap and halloumi or sweet potato sharing platters. But that’s just the start – they’re also bringing their smash burger brand Big Buns to The Northern Market, offering up game-changing beef, chicken and meat-free burgers.

Wait, there’s more! The folks behind The Falafel Guys have one more concept for you in the form of Six Slice, which promises a new angle on pizza. Yes, you can get classics like margherita and pepperoni, but how about one topped with Tabasco-tossed chicken tenders, or another with Makhani butter sauce, paneer and Bombay mix? And if that’s not enough, Bastards Bistro are joining the fray with a new Asian concept, The Lucky Snake – get ready for banh mis, wings, pho and loaded prawn crackers.

You’re going to need to wash all that down with something, and luckily, Northern Monk are right on hand. They’ll have 10 taps, some coming fresh from a tank that will sit in the new venue, promising glorious keg beers, including Faith, A Little Faith and The Great Northern Lager on every day. They’ll sit alongside a permanent line for their ever-changing Patrons Project range, a couple of Monk’s special beer releases and a cider.

There will also be four cask beer lines plugged in for lovers of a smoother pint, but this is not just a place for beer lovers, as well catered for as they are. You can look forward to spirits and wines aplenty, yet the real star of the show for those of a hop-free preference, will be the frozen cocktails. The flavours and combinations will change on a regular basis, but expect as many as five on at any one time.

And if you still need convincing, Russell knows just why you should pay The Northern Market a visit. “People should come down for the freshest beer in the city centre,” he told us. “For a unique take on a food hall experience embracing the best of Northern culture, and for bringing under one roof some of the city’s most celebrated food creators in the heart of Leeds City Centre.” We can’t argue with that, so what are you waiting for?

The Northern Market, 12 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DW. It’s open from 11:45am every day, until 12am from Monday to Wednesday, 1am on Thursdays, 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and 10:30pm on Sundays.

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Joseph Sheerin Senior Writer

Joseph is one of the longest-serving members of the Leeds-List team. Having lived in Leeds for over 15 years, he knows the city inside out. From restaurants and gig venues to walking routes and coffee shops, he’s explored it all and written about the experience. Joseph has also been a freelance music writer for Trinity Mirror Group – his passion for music is as strong as his love for Leeds.

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