Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Leeds City Centreand take on the role of your beer-loving dreams?
We might have just found the ultimate day trip for any Leeds beer-lover on the hunt for their new favourite spot out of town- and with every dream daytrip, comes a dream job for those that work there (but more about that later).
Whilst the task of getting a table in the city centre on a Saturday afternoon may be considered almost an Olympic sport, we understand that having a delicious pint in a venue with amazing atmosphere might be something that you crave.
Leeds is blessed with a huge array of amazing venues, but sometimes it’s nice to take a short train to a town or village nearby. Imagine a place 20 minutes train ride outside of Leeds, filled with an amazing craft beer selection, cocktails ‘on tap’ and just about something for everyone.
Imagine a Grade II listed Tramshed, filled with the best craft beer Saltaire has to offer, complete with a huge brewery at the rear of the building where you’ll find the ultimate craft beer experience.
SALT Beer Factory is the home of one of the UK’s fastest growing craft beer brands, and you’ll certainly find a large selection of their brews on tap at any time. Hidden away in the UNESCO heritage village of Saltaire, SALT Beer Factory is on a mission to unify heritage and modern brewing with a difference.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Find out more about the brewery and its heritage from friendly bar staff who are more than willing to give you more information. The brewery taproom is complete with a dramatic yet pristine backdrop, and you’ll be surrounded by fermenter tanks where the beer you are sipping on once was. Grab a seat in the heart of the action during its opening hours – Friday – Sunday, and enjoy an intimate and one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
There's also ample opportunity to visit SALT Bar & Kitchen every single day of the week for a taste of real ales and SALT beers. There’s certainly something for everyone available, with high strength speciality beers and low strength sessionable ales available all week long.
So whether you’re looking for a weekday or weekend visit, SALT have fantastic food and craft beer available all week long. Along with a Shuffleboard table which is available in the Taproom all week and SALT even host their very own live music events, with bands playing once a month and DJ’s every Friday and Saturday.
Sample their brand-new selection of 'on tap' cocktails, each poured from a draught line or taste artisan wines at the bartender's recommendation.
How could we forget about food? Both SALT Bar & Kitchen and SALT Taproom offer a huge menu, with freshly prepared food to your liking. So whether you’re in the mood for wood fired pizzas, or looking to just get a light snack, the menu is complete with a huge array of delicious treats – whatever your budget or portion size.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
So where does the dream job fit in? If this sounds like the sort of place you want to spend your days: strolling amongst the hops and testing out SALT Beer Factory's finest, you could become one of their expert members of staff.
If you know your craft beers from your IPAs or just fancy talking about beer all day, SALT is looking for those that know a thing or two about brewing to join their Brewery Tour team.
The staff here are knowledgeable, but make the whole experience exciting and relatable and exciting, so you need to be able to give those visiting an informal but informative insight to the beer factory business, so that they can leave with plenty of fun facts.
We really can’t think of a better dream job to swap our 9-5s for.
Those interested in a position with SALT Beer Factory should contact the business themselves to find out more information.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
31st May 2022 
