Raft of new eateries set to open at Leeds's Trinity Kitchen

Converted from an old Peugeot J7, the van has pulled into Trinity Kitchen to join its permanent line-up and will host a changing roster of up-and-coming cooks, chefs and street food aficionados – the first vendor being York-based chef James Mackenzie’s new street food kitchen, Jimmy Mack’s.

With a concept based around BBQ, smoked, ‘low & slow’ meats, the menu includes wraps filled with 12-hour hickory-smoked beef brisket, Birria lamb leg or maple-smoked pork collar, all topped with homemade salsas, pickles and sauces, plus extras and sides such as Southern-fried boneless chicken thighs and loaded fries.

Chef James, 32, has taken inspiration from his travels after trying different street foods around the world, and having worked as a chef across the globe – from chalets in The Alps to luxury superyachts in France, Italy and Croatia, where he has catered for the rich and famous. James was born in South Africa before living in the Caribbean and then travelling to South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking about his upcoming stint at Trinity Kitchen, James said: “After years of working in kitchens, it was time to do my own thing! I want to create tasty food that I love and bring something a little different to the street food scene.

“The street food van is such a great opportunity for chefs like myself, one that is original and isn’t offered anywhere else. I am looking forward to joining Trinity Kitchen and serving up some great food.”

Over the past year, James has become very green fingered, growing his own chillies and tomatoes of different varieties which have inspired the new menu. He also hopes to widen his knowledge in foraging and growing and continue to develop his menus for the future.