From candlelit dinners and live music to cookery competitions and painting masterclasses, here's how you can start feeling the lovethis Valentine's.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're feeling unsure on how to celebrate it, then we've pulled together a list of activities and experiences for you to get up to.
Whether you're celebrating with your significant other, a group of mates or just treating yourself (which you absolutely should), we all deserve to feel loved up at this time of year.
So whack out your diary, keep reading and get planning your next date night.
Hidden behind a gentleman's barbershop in the Grand Arcade you will find The Domino Club - a moody, sexy, late night jazz bar which makes for the ultimate date night spot.
Take a seat at a candlelit table, order your favourite cocktail and watch the magic unfold. They host live musicians every night who showcase some of the best jazz, blues, funk and soul that you can find in the city.
Once you're nestled in here, we can guarantee that you won't want to go anywhere else. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night then booking is advised and can be done here.
Take a stroll around Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Kirkstall Abbey.
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in all of Britain, and we are extremely lucky to have it on our door step. There's nothing better than taking a romantic stroll around the grounds, hand in hand, with the whooshing sound of the River Aire acting as your soundtrack.
Come rain or shine, this magnificent abbey looks astonishing any time of year and is well worth the trip out of the city centre.
Relax and unwind at Iveridge Hall Spa
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a dip in a hot tub? Then head to Iveridge Hall Spa, a family-run independent business that offer incredible, luxury spa experiences.
You and your loved one can enjoy some well deserved TLC by relaxing in a private hot tub and unwinding in an outdoor therapy spa pool. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up with one another and forget about the stresses of the outside world. You can even book a couple's massage for that extra special, luxury treat.
There are loads of romantic restaurants in Leeds, but we have a soft spot for The Ox Club and it's warm, comforting atmosphere. Expect exposed brick walls, warm lighting, gorgeous wooden furnishings and pops of colour via eye-catching art work.
Specialising in live-fire cooking, the food here is astonishing. Opt for the 1kg Highland cote de boeuf to share alongside a brilliant bottle of red and finish with the Basque cheesecake topped with blood orange and fennel marmalade.
Trust us when we say that a meal at The Ox Club is one you won't forget easily, making it the perfect choice for Valentine's Day.
There's nothing more romantic then a dimly lit, secret cocktail bar where you and your loved one can stare into each other's eyes over a martini or two. And Below Stairs is just that - a trendy, speakeasy style bar located on South Parade that is an absolute drinking gem hidden in plain sight.
Expect an incredible, interactive drinks menu alongside impeccable service and ultimate, romantic vibes (if you can find it that is).
Share fondue at Cheesy Living Co.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Because nothing screams romance than a massive pot of melted cheese, right? And they serve it in abundance at Cheesy Living Co., one of Leeds' most beloved wine bars and delis.
Tuck into fondue at either their Oakwood location or original Corn Exchange location, your heart will be set alight in no time.
Go head to head at Roxy Ballroom
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a competitive couple then you will want to head down to Roxy Ballroom immediately to try your hand at their huge list of games. Challenge your partner to a game of shuffleboard before taking the party to the pool table to see who the ultimate winner is.
You can do all this with a delicious cocktail in hand whilst tapping your toe to their iconic rock and indie soundtrack.
Take a cookery class together at home
Image: Migrateful
If you're fancying a night in but still want to indulge on some delicious food, then why not whip up a storm at home by following a virtual cook-along session.
Migrateful is a critically acclaimed social enterprise supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants to teach their traditional cuisines to the public as a way to access employment and integration in the UK. It's the perfect opportunity to learn some new culinary skills together whilst supporting the lives of their refugee chefs.
The classes are conducted via Zoom with all participants receiving a list of ingredients and equipment before hand. Expect a delicious meal to enjoy at the end of it as well as the privilege to take a look into someone else's culture and stories.
To find out more, take a look at Migrateful's website.
Get artsy at Paint A Pic
Image: Paint A Pic
For the creative types, this is 100% the activity for you. Paint A Pic is a super fun event that combines drinks with a crafty art class. Expect to sip your way through delicious tipples all whilst creating a Picasso like masterpiece to take home with you.
They host events across the city numerous times a week and each event has a different theme. You could be painting a romantic sunset, a beautiful landscape or an eye catching portrait - no experience is needed and it's the perfect opportunity to get your Bob Ross on.
To have a look at their upcoming events, take a peek at their website.
Experience the tasting menu at Prashad
Image: Prashad
If you're really looking to push the boat out and treat your significant other this Valentine's Day then why not enjoy a night of fine dining at one of Leeds' most critically acclaimed restaurants, Prashad.
Prashad is a family-run, independent Indian restaurant based in Drighlington, Leeds. They have been serving up their deliciously authentic North West Indian recipes for 30 years and have received multiple awards for their seven course tasting menu.
The perfect evening for a couple that love their food and want to sample some of arguably the best cuisine in Yorkshire.
Don’t judge a book by its cover... or in this case, a musical by its posters.
Going in completely blind, I really didn’t know what to expect from Operation Mincemeat. In fact, after the first number, I found myself thinking, I’m not sure this is quite my cup of tea.
How wrong I was.
Watching Tuesday night’s performance at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, I was quickly proven wrong about what I thought a musical needed to be. There are no huge sets, endless costume changes, or hundreds of performers filling the stage. Instead, Operation Mincemeat delivers a genuinely funny, surprisingly heart-warming story with just five performers, while somehow teaching you a bit of history along the way.
If I had to sum this show up in two words? Belly laughter.
Based on the real-life British intelligence operation during the Second World War, the musical follows the unlikely group tasked with convincing Hitler that the Allies were planning to invade Greece rather than Sicily.
And honestly, if you didn’t already know it actually happened, you’d probably think someone had made it up. That ridiculousness is exactly what makes the show work. The comedy comes thick and fast, with characters, accents, and personalities constantly changing as the five-strong cast jump between roles.
And this is where the production really impressed me.The multi-roling is incredibly slick. A pair of glasses, a change in voice or a small shift in posture can completely transform a character, and somehow it never feels like a gimmick. Instead, it becomes part of the magic of the production. It’s a brilliant example of how much can be achieved on stage without throwing money at elaborate sets or costumes.
Credit: Matt CrockettCredit: Matt Crockett
But underneath all the comedy is where Operation Mincemeat really surprised me.
One of the standout performances for me came from Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt. During ‘Roses’, Andrews completely captivates the audience while portraying an older woman writing about the experience of wives waiting for their loved ones away at war.
What makes the moment so effective is its simplicity. With little more than a pair of glasses, Andrews transforms into Hester, but there is never any sense that the character is being played for laughs. Instead, there is real care and respect in the performance.
Andrews captures the loneliness, vulnerability, and uncertainty of a woman whose life has been put on hold while her partner is away fighting. After so much laughter, the sudden change in tone really lands. For me, it was one of the clearest examples of the craftsmanship behind the show. Both the writing and performance manage to find genuine emotion without losing the production’s personality.
The music follows the same balance, moving between big, energetic numbers and quieter moments that give the characters room to breathe. It never feels like songs have been added simply because this happens to be a musical; they actually help tell the story.
And despite being based on a historical event, it never feels like a history lesson.
Operation Mincemeat at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House / Credit: Matt Crockett
In fact, I left the theatre wanting to find out more about the real Operation Mincemeat, which is probably the biggest compliment I can give it and definitely will be watching the film very soon.
If you’re heading to the theatre expecting huge dance numbers, powerhouse ballads and elaborate sets, then this might not be the show for you. But if you want something different, something that will have you laughing at one of the strangest stories in British history while leaving you amazed at just how slick a production can be with only five cast members, then this is absolutely worth seeing.
What I initially thought wasn’t my cup of tea ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the evening.
Funny, clever, completely bonkers at times and unexpectedly moving, Operation Mincemeat proves you don’t need a massive production to make a big impression. I have seen a lot of theatre productions in my life, but I have never seen anything as slick as this production, and that is pure talent at its finest.
Sometimes, all you need is a ridiculous true story, five brilliant performers and a whole lot of belly laughs.
Featured Image - Matt Crockett (Supplied)
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
Clementine Hall
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Clementine Hall -
7th February 2023 
