Whatever the weather, we've found all the best things to do in our city.
Last week we experienced all four seasons, sometimes only an hour apart from each other, so this week, we wanted to make sure we were prepared for all eventualities.
Whether the skies are blue with sunshine cascading down as we flock to the beer garden in our masses or another bizarre snowstorm arrives and sends us all into the nearest coffee shop or museum, there's loads to get involved in as we settle into the spring months.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Leeds this week, according to The Hoot Leeds...
Eggcelent Easter Hunt
Thackray Museum of Medicine, Harehills | Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022.
Image: Chapter 81
This Easter, the Thackray Museum of Medicine is hosting a whole range of egg-citing activity programmes to bring the Easter holidays to life. Visitors are invited to explore the museum as part of the ‘Eggcellent Easter Egg Hunt’, in which several eggs will be hidden throughout the exhibitions, and participants asked to complete a trail to get their hands on a mini Easter treat.
Suitable for even young children, there will even be an 'Egg and Sperm Race', where players will compete to reach the egg first, and an ‘Absolutely Smashing Matching Hatching Game’, which will put your knowledge of eggs and growth in the animal kingdom to the test. Please note that parental supervision required at these events.
Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022. Find out more here.
Burlesque Brunch at The Wardrobe
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.
Seagulls Spring Market
Seagulls Reuse, Kirkstall Road | Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022.
Image: Seagulls Reuse
After the success of Seagulls' Winter Market, the organisers have decided to host a springtime second act with a whole host of indie makers and creators in attendance.
Ben from Seagulls Mosaic has organised the entire event, enlisting the help of Kirkstall Brewery and Ginny the Gin Wagon to supply afternoon tipple whilst Hu & mee offer a variety of Panda-themed items (cards, towels, mugs, you name it!); and Kat Williams, an Illustrator inspired by stories, mythology, history, education and funny animals, will be selling her bestselling prints alongside other stallholders.
Boki Ethical sell sustainable stationery, home decor and clothing. They are a creative space for standing up for causes close to their hearts like mental health awareness, environment, women’s rights and equality. Goods in General concentrate on vintage, industrial and salvaged. All items are practical, quality items saving them from landfills and ensuring they won’t be left to gather dust.
Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022. Find out more here.
Leeds Young Film Festival
Carriageworks Theatre | Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022.
Image: Leeds Film
Families are being invited to step into the world of cinema as the Leeds Young Film Festival returns for its 24th year during the Easter Holidays. At this year’s festival, families can join the ‘Secret Silver Screen Society’ and help character Louise Le Prince and her friends save the future of film.
Following some quality family screenings, children will be challenged to bring their own stories to life, thinking up new ideas and setting off on a quest around the city. The exciting challenge will appeal to children of all ages by getting them involved and sparking their creativity. The family-friendly films selection has been specially programmed for this year and is set to captivate young audiences at the Carriageworks Theatre, with the support of the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery.
Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022. Find out more here.
Bongos Bingo
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.
Feature Image- Seagulls Reuse
Eats
Ireland’s famous fast food phenomenon, the spice bag, has landed in Leeds Kirkgate Market
You can now grab the ultimate hangover cure at our very own Kirkgate Market.
And it comes from none other than The Fisherman's Wife - a Leeds institution that has been serving up fantastic fish and chips for over 60 years.
But now, they're turning their attention to spice bags.
If you have no idea what we're talking about then allow us to fill you in. And we'd recommend pouring yourself an ice cold glass of water, because it's about to get real salty up in here.
The spice bag is an Irish delicacy that is often devoured after a few Guinness on the streets of Dublin, for example.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It consists of shredded and battered chicken, chips, onions and peppers - all deep fried, loaded into a bag and tossed in lashings of salt and pepper seasoning.
Oh, and of course dipped or lathered in a sauce of your choosing. The classic being curry sauce, obviously.
It's been available in Leeds once before at a pop-up in Trinity Kitchen, but now The Fisherman's Wife is here to make them a permanent option for anyone with that salty craving.
You've got a couple of flavours to choose from too, including peri-peri, plain, salt & chilli and of course the classic salt & pepper.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can then add a drizzle of sriracha, curry sauce (obviously) or sticky honey if you're looking for that sweet and salty balance.
The best part? They're selling these for just £6.50.
So next time you've had a few too many the night before, get yourself to The Fisherman's Wife inside Leeds Kirkgate Market's food hall and get yourself a spice bag. You'll be cured in no time.
Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Sophie Smith -
4th April 2022 
