Melodie 71 Leeds: Kirkstall-based street food company Hoi Polloi takes over kitchen at neighbourhood bar

A popular neighbourhood bar in Leeds has announced its first kitchen residency.

Melodie 71 in Commercial Street, has welcomed street food pop up company Hoi Polloi to take over the food offering at the Kirkstall bar. 

Owned by chef Josh Plew, Hoi Polloi has been launching street food pop-ups up and down the country for the last four years. 

Melodie 71 has announced Hoi Polloi will be serving food in its Kirkstall bar from November 6. Photo: Bruce Rollinsonplaceholder image
Melodie 71 has announced Hoi Polloi will be serving food in its Kirkstall bar from November 6. Photo: Bruce Rollinson | Bruce Rollinson

And its residency in Melodie 71 will see it serve a selection of bar snacks and small plates that are inspired from owner Josh’s travels around East and Southeast Asia. 

Speaking on the new residency, Josh said: “I’ve lived in Kirkstall for four years and always thought a decent bar was what it was missing. 

“When Melodie 71 opened, it quickly became my favourite hangout, and I always hoped we’d work together on something. 

“I’m proud to have it as my local and really excited to bring some food that’s new and exciting to Kirkstall.”

Hoi Polloi is a street food company based in Kirkstall. Photo: Hoi Polloiplaceholder image
Hoi Polloi is a street food company based in Kirkstall. Photo: Hoi Polloi | Hoi Polloi

Shaun Read, the co-owner of Melodie 71, added: “We’re big fans of Josh’s food and as a bonus, he’s local and the right fit for us at Melodie. 

“Looking forward to being able to offer some top food alongside our drinks menu.”

The menu will launch on Monday, November 6 and will be available on Wednesday and Thursday, from 5pm - 9pm, Friday, from 4pm - 9pm and Saturday, from noon - 9pm.

Melodie 71 opened its doors in Leeds in July 2023. It has since become known as a laid-back local neighbourhood hangout with interesting beers, cocktails, well curated DJs, food pop-ups, coffee, art and events.

Related topics:
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice