This week I was invited to the press launch of the second ever Leeds Indie Food Festival.

Held in one of the event rooms at Leeds’ ever-so-trendy Headrow House, the queue went all the way down the stairs. At this point, it was already clear to me that this year’s Festival was going to be even bigger and better than last year.

Jake and I queued up for our drinks and both opted for a can of pale ale and a rather delicious ginger-tasting gin and tonic. The waiters were handing out boxes of something that smelled rather delightful. I was over the moon to find Ox Club’s best dish, hangar steak with chips, inside ready to be demolished.

The event itself was effectively a relaxed press conference – the organisers put several speakers on stage who chatted about some of the events on at this year’s festival. The running theme for all of the speakers was an emphasis on how Leeds’ food scene is really starting to set itself apart from Manchester.

COLLABORATION seemed to be the buzzword for the night with all the speakers mentioning the unique way in which Leeds’ independent food outlets work together to produce amazing food and events. Leeds Indie Food Festival is basically the icing on the cake of all of that.

Upon receiving the Festival magazine, I was reminded of the times I’ve been to the Edinburgh Fringe. This year’s brochure is literally jam-packed with events which will appeal to foodies of all kinds. I also loved the design on the cover – so cute.

Here are the events I’ve either booked myself in for or I’m planning to go to:

• Chef: The Experience – As a foodie, I would say Chef is one of my favourite feel-good films so when I heard there’s an ‘eat along’ showing of it at The Belgrave, I knew I had to book a ticket

• Real Junk Food Banquet – I hate food waste; I always try my best to use up as many ingredients in my fridge as I can before throwing anything out. To see that the Real Junk Food Project has collaborated with the fabulous Northern Monk Refectory on an event with this theme filled me will joy. They’ll be cooking up a menu based on what food is intercepted that day and the guests just pay what they feel

• Keg Vs Cork Drink-along Sideways – I’m gutted I can’t go to this event but I’m in Abu Dhabi that weekend. My other favourite foodie film is Sideways and during this event you literally drink along to it! (Sounds messy)

• Sipsmith Gin and Cocktail Tasting – Jake and I are a bit obsessed with gin at the moment. It’s the spirit of the moment. At this event, the team from the Chiswick-based distillery will talk about the history of gin and you’ll get to taste a variety of them alongside a special menu

• Leeds Feast – This is the daddy of events at the Festival. There will be world class food, art and music on offer for FREE at three venues; Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen and the new North Brewing Co. taproom

There are over 100 events to go to so to find out more head to the Festival website.

See you there! #LIF16