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10 of the best things to do in Leeds in April 2022
This month there's April Fool's Day, Easter and two full bank holidays to get through this month, and a whole load of events in the city centre and suburbs to take advantage of.
April Fools, Easter and two bank holidays...there's plenty to pack into this month.
Whilst we can't believe that we're officially a third of the way through the year, we're equally relieved to see the back end of winter (despite the snow coming down this week).
This month there's April Fool's Day, Easter and two full bank holidays to get through this month, and a whole load of events in the city centre and suburbs to take advantage of.
Keep reading to find out all the best things to do in and around Leeds this April.
Sakku Bottomless Brunch
St Peter's Square, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 2 April 2022.
Japanese sushi and Pan Asian grill restaurant, Sakku is hosting its first ever bottomless brunch experience this week- and it’s set to be quite the afternoon.
Having been open for just six months, Sakku has locally made a name for itself by bringing back one of the best ways to eat: using local and imported ingredients to bring unlimited dishes back to the dining table, at their hidden Leeds restaurant. Now, the busy restaurant is adding unlimited tipple to the menu and swapping unlimited food for booze during the one-day-only sitting.
Each seat at the table will cost £28.95 and includes four dishes and bottomless draught beer, Prosecco, Pornstar Martini and other cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks for all sittings between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
Albion Place, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 2 April 2022.
Image: My Cookie Dough
My Cookie Dough is opening their first ever sit-down cafe in Leeds at the weekend, and the first 100 customers get their delicious dessert for free.
As well as their beloved cookie dough, the cafe will be serving up an exciting new range of hot drinks and other desserts which are yet to be revealed. You’ll be able to grab your usual morning coffee as well, made with their newly developed special blend of coffee. The company already have a beloved following in Leeds and we can’t wait to visit their new permanent location which we’re sure will be a massive hit. Our mouths are already watering at the thought of the heavenly treats they will be serving up.
Saturday 2 April 2022 from 12pm. Find out more here.
Hyde Park Picture House UNHCR Appeal
Leeds University Union, Hyde Park | Sunday 3 April 2022.
Image: Hyde Park Picture House
The cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety. The showings will highlight a selection of Soviet 60s movies alongside more contemporary films that feature Ukrainian talent or storylines, as well as raising money for the cause.
Olga, a movie about a young gymnast with Olympic-potential leaves Kyiv just as Ukraine experiences unprecedented political turmoil, will be shown at Leeds University Union on Sunday 3 April 2022 at 3.40pm with a reduced capacity. The film follows the life of Olga, who is a distant bystander, as her mother, an investigative journalist, challenges a brutal regime.
A subtle, tensely handled tale of exile reflecting the pressures on young athletes, the clash between the personal and the political, and Olga’s search for who she is and what she is prepared to sacrifice.
St Peter's Square, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: The Wardrobe Leeds
For those that reckon they've completed just about every decent bottomless brunch in Leeds, The Wardrobe is offering a chance to channel your inner Christina Aguilera and Cher whilst sipping on cocktails aplenty at their one-off Burlesque Brunch event.
Start your boozy afternoon with a one hour masterclass with burlesque performer Roxy Stardust, a "GlasVegas showgirl" described as the "Powerhouse of Scottish Burlesque" then tuck into a 90 minute bottomless brunch sitting that's just as glamorous. Think bold flavours in cocktails like Bloody Mary's and Aperol Spritz, selected cask and Amstel, as well as Prosecco, Orchard Thieves and your choice of brunch dish.
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: Chapter 81
After the success of its Rum Festival in 2021, Leeds’ Corn Exchange is debuting Leeds Whisky Fest, a one-day festival that champions all things boozy. A vibrant selection of global and homegrown brands is set to take over Leeds Corn Exchange on Saturday 9 April, bringing an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world to our doorstep.
In total, there will be over 100 whiskies available on show, but you’ll only need the one entry ticket for all-access to unlimited samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings, as well as an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide to take home with you after your visit.
Saturday 9 April 2022, 12-4pm or 5-9pm. Find out more here.
Bad Boy Chiller Crew Live
Leeds O2 Academy, Cookridge Street | Tuesday 12 April 2022.
Image: Bad Boy Chiller Crew
Before performing at some of the UK's most exciting festivals, including our very own Leeds Festival and Sheffield's Tramlines festival, Bad Boy Chiller Crew is stopping at the O2 Academy Leeds on their UK tour.
The Bradford-based bassline collective recently made their way to an impressive ninth place in the UK charts for their single BMW, whilst their debut album, Disrepectful climbed all the way to second place in the UK charts and number one for UK Dance. GK, Clive and Kane will be performing all their best-performing hits to date in their home county for one night only this month- and we're sure this will be a light-hearted night of comedic anecdotes and melodic tunes to remember.
Leeds O2 Academy, Cookridge Street | Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022.
Image: Bongos Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of Sunday night madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022. Find out more here.
Chow Down
Temple Arches, Leeds City Centre | Thursday 14 April - Saturday 30 April 2022.
Image: Chow Down
Running from Easter until September, there’s going to be so much to enjoy for 2022 at Temple Arches. The set from former events, like the 2021 Winter Village, has been taken apart and brought back to life for the 2022 season with some exciting additions.
Opening its doors in just a few weeks time, Temple Arches will host a summer themed haven with a new food village, three-tier sun terrace, DJ huts and more. A nine-hole alfresco crazy golf course will make an appearance for the very first time for those looking to make a tee whilst sipping on cocktails and pints in the sunshine. Named Palm Swings, this is going to be a chilled-out golfing experience unrivalled in Leeds city centre.
Of course, Chow Down’s foodie line-up is equally as important to Leeds as its musical headliners, and this year, there’s plenty of new street food to tempt you over to Temple Arches too.
Thursday 14 April - Saturday 30 April 2022. Find out more here.
Provenance Inns and Hotels, West Yorkshire | Friday 15 April - Sunday 17 April 2022.
Image: PGHL
The Provenance Inns and Hotels groups will be hosting Yorkshire's biggest Easter egg hunt over the April bank holiday weekend to raise money for Red Cross. The group plans to hide a number of chocolate eggs across all seven venues, including The West Park in Harrogate and The Punch Bowl in Marton-Cum-Grafton from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
Anyone lucky enough to locate one of the chocolatey treats can also enjoy a free drink at their local Provenance bar. This can be a soft drink, or a pint of beer or a gin and tonic for those over 18. The bestselling Panko Crumbed Chicken with Garlic has now been renamed the Chicken Kyiv, and £1 from each one sold in April will go towards the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Friday 15 April - Sunday 17 April 2022. Find out more here.
Trinity Kitchen Spring Food Trucks
Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds City Centre | Friday 1 April - Saturday 30 April 2022.
Image: Jimmy Macks
Taking us into the warmer months are five brand-new food trucks with some seriously irresistible springtime menus at Trinity Kitchen. Think multi-coloured bagels, slow-smoked meat tacos, grilled cheese sarnies and fluffy steamed pittas inspired by traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
The food trucks have been taken over by the BadBoy Bagel Co. and their seriously ‘grammable rainbow bagels; Shouk, specialising in Middle Eastern cuisine; Jimmy Macks, the brains behind seasonal slow-smoked barbecue treats; Cheese Yard and a full menu of all things (you guessed it) cheese and Alleycats, bringing huge burgers to Trinity Kitchen.
Friday 1 April - Saturday 30 April 2022. Find out more here.
Our record shops, just like the actual vinyl you're after buying, come in all shapes and sizes, stocking everything from holy grail albums to new spins that you need in your collection.
Whatever genre you're searching for, this South Yorkshire city and its array of record shops are sure to have you covered, and you can even refresh your wardrobe in some of them.
9 of the best record shops in and around Sheffield city centre
This place has everything you could possibly think of, including all the latest standout releases like Don't Be Dumb by A$AP Rocky and West End Girl by Lily Allen.
As well as a huge range of LPs, there's a wide variety of books all surrounding different music subcultures like Punk, Grime and Dance.
And of course, a moment of appreciation for Bear Tree Records and its Britney Spears 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' skateboard - iconic.
Where to find: Unit 13, The Forum, 16, 127 Devonshire St, Sheffield S3 7SB
If you couldn't tell by that window arrangement, this next spot is very rock-focused with the likes of Pink Floyd, Meat Loaf and Rage Against the Machine adorning its shopfront.
You can get your hands on some of the latest LPs as well as some pre-loved gems - you can delve into some classics or even expand your music knowledge with their vast display of records from the past.
It's also right next door to Tamper Coffee, which means you can grab your caffeine and vinyl fix at the same time, all within a two-minute walk.
Where to find: 137A Arundel St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2NU
Record Collector
Credit: The Manc Group
We couldn't reel off notable record shops in Sheffield without mentioning this staple institution, which has been serving the music lovers of this South Yorkshire city since 1978.
Just like our very own music counterpart Audio North, the owner of Record Collector, Barry, spotlights up-and-coming talent, giving them pride of place in his shop displays.
If you're ever planning a day trip to Sheffield, you'll probably need to book a weekend, as this shop in itself will have you transfixed with its huge range of musical releases.
Where to find: 233 Fulwood Rd, Sheffield S10 3BA
Waxhead Records
Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Arundel Emporium is this beauty of a record shop, which formerly went by the name Music Junkie, before re-establishing itself as Waxhead Records.
No matter what name this shop goes by, one thing will always stay the same, and that's this record shop's dedication to proper good vinyl.
Check out those phenomenal albums on display by the likes of music greats: Ms Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell - obviously Arctic Monkeys are up there too.
Where to find: First Floor, 16 Matilda St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4QD
Kelham Island Books and Music
Credit: The Manc Group
Known for being Sheffield's largest second-hand bookshop, this place prides itself on its love for physical media.
Every inch of this shop floor is home to books, magazines, records, CDs and more, meaning you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.
Situated at Shalesmoor and close to Kelham Island, get ready to step back in time and browse plenty of vintage and preloved items that are waiting to spark interest and joy with the next person who picks them up.
Just a stone's throw away from Sheffield city centre is Tallbird Records, which we simply couldn't leave out, as they're top class.
They're Chesterfield's longest-running independent record shop, stocking all things music for over a decade, opening back in 2013.
Like all of the record shops mentioned above, this vinyl vendor prides itself on having a friendly team and a vast selection of LPs - they've even got K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Where to find: 10 Soresby St, Chesterfield S40 1JN
Last but not least, we'll end with one final honourable mention that feels like a fitting venue not just on Record Store Day but all year-round...
A Leeds icon has been reborn as The Smithfield opens in former The Reliance site
Daisy Jackson
The Smithfield is finally here - and we're pleased to report that it's every bit as special as you were hoping.
This newcomer to Leeds has taken over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades.
The team's transformation of the site started with a paint job - probably the most-talked-about paint job in the city - taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red.
That move immediately won over fans of The Reliance, with one person writing: "Seems the team here held the Relly in high regard and rightly so! Hopefully they can recapture some of its magic."
But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, is setting out to mix up relaxed hospitality with simple dining.
It's all about connection - to seasonal food, to the heritage of the building, and to the community that will make connections here.
Co-founder Steve Dawson outside The SmithfieldThe Reliance has been reborn as The SmithfieldWayward WinesThe dining room
If you're wondering what sort of things will be on the table, allow us to enlighten you.
There are sharing plates like grilled leeks on romesco, pigs head croquettes (a must-order), and whipped cods roe with radishes, all served on charming mismatched plates.
The bigger dishes include a comically massive pie for sharing, packed with chicken, leek, and tarragon. It's a mighty thing, especially paired with their crispy-edged chips.
You can also order a whole wild Cornish seabass for a real feast, or a fantastic beef sirloin with wild garlic butter.
There's a fantastic selection of natural wines from Wayward Wines, as well as (unsurprisingly) great beers.
Steak, pie, and charred leeksA spread of the plates at The SmithfieldSticky toffee puddingThe Smithfield has taken over the old The ReliancePigs head croquettes with gribicheThe chicken and tarragon sharing pieA sharing pie and chips at The SmithfieldBeef sirloin with wild garlic butter, and purple sprouting broccoli with ricotta and mintWild Cornish seabass with kohlrabi, fennel, and chervil - plus an orange wine from Wayward WinesThe Smithfield is now open
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, and his business partner chef James Donovan, were drawn to the old The Reliance site and are seizing the opportunity to contribute to the area's dining legacy.
While Steve's focus is on creating a social meeting point, James will focus on the casual, social dining, taking inspiration from the building's reputation as a cutting-edge gastro pub.
They'll be sourcing seasonally and locally, with menus that will change with the seasons.
The space itself inside is still familiar - those huge windows are the stars of the show, with the bar still standing centrally, while the dining room at the back is stripped-back and simple overlooking the open kitchen.
It's very early days for The Smithfield - they're just out of their soft launch period and gearing up for their first 'proper' weekend.
On their soft launch period, they wrote: "We were so grateful to welcome friends, neighbours, and the Leeds hospitality community to The Smithfield. Seeing the bar and dining room full after weeks of cleaning, painting, and graft has truly made it all worth it.
"A huge thank you to everyone who came along, showed their support, and has made this journey possible. Not least the Kitchen and bar teams, whose incredible service has kept the plates coming and the drinks flowing."
We feel pretty confident in saying Leeds will be very proud to have The Smithfield in our city.
Sophie Smith -
31st March 2022 
