Feature

The best things in and around Leeds this month | July 2023

We're going on a bear hunt, to festivals aplenty and some exciting new restaurant openings this month.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 30th June 2023

July is a seriously jam packed month - and for July we're venturing a little further out of the city centre to find the best 15 things going on this month.

Leeds Bear Hunt kicks off for the next ten weeks and Hyde Park Picture House has finally reopened after three long years of restoration projects - both of which make great days out for the whole family!

Sounds of the City welcomes the likes of Blossoms, Kasabian and 80s Classical to Millennium Square whilst further afield Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival and Tramlines will be bringing festival season to life!🎪

Foodies can look forward to checking out Six By Nico Leeds opening on Monday and one of the most important national days of celebration - International Tequila Day! To celebrate Franklin & Sons has partnered with Boom Battle Bar for free palomas and the mixer company has a whopping £30,000 worth of prizes over the next month to give out!

Keep reading to find our top fifteen picks for the month around Leeds and beyond...

Hyde Park Picture House reopening

Open from Friday 30 June 2023 | Brudenell Road, Hyde Park

That’s right, Hyde Park Picture House is reopening to the public this week after three long years of renovations.

Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the 109-year-old cinema has successfully carried out significant restoration works over the past two years and is set to reopen at the end of the month.

Refurbishments include repairs to it’s façade and external lamppost, the restoration of it’s beautiful original terrazzo flooring and the refurbishment of it’s iconic nine gas lights which will be lit during every screening.

Find out more here.

Leeds Bear Hunt

Begins Saturday 1 July 2023 | Various locations around Leeds

Image: Leeds Bear Hunt

Leeds Bear Hunt is an exciting new trail popping up around Leeds city centre all summer long. Raising money for Leeds Hospital Charity, there will be 35 different giant beat sculptures to find hidden in plain sight, and taking inspiration from the Michael Rosen classic children's book, you can go on a bear hunt to find them all.

To find out the locations and collect rewards for your bear hunt efforts, you need to download the app on your phone.

Find out more here.

My Leeds Summer

Saturday 1 July 2023 | Calverlands Centre in Horsforth

children stood on stage.
Image: Supplied

The LEEDS2023 event will see LS18 Rocks, a Leeds music school, perform their very own Leeds anthem for the first time.

Taking inspiration from the iconic 1972 Leeds United smash hit Marching On Together, this new anthem is called Marching On and will be premiered at the start of next month.

LS18 Rocks have taken inspiration from the 1972 Leeds United hit Marching On Together to write and record their very own song entitled Marching On. Over the past few weeks, LS18 Rocks have been working with local sporting groups and youth organisations to showcase the song and teach participants the chorus which is already being praised as “the catchiest thing you will hear all year”.

Find out more here.

Leeds Waterfront Festival

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 July 2023 | The Boulevard, Leeds Dock

yellow water taxi.
Image: Supplied

Making a splash and returning for yet another year, Leeds Waterfront Festival brings together the British Street Food Award with live music, family fun and even a dragon boat race. Throughout the two days, you’ll get to see the biggest get together of its kind in the north – hopefully soaked in sunshine.

Find out more here.

Six By Nico opening

Monday 3 July 2023 | 9 East Parade, Leeds city centre

two plates with food.
Images: The Manc Group
two plates with food on.

If you’re unfamiliar with Six By Nico, it’s already a popular fixture in nearby Manchester – serving up a different themed tasting menu to diners every six weeks. The brainchild of Scottish chef Nico Simone, the eponymous restaurant chain has proven a hit with locals and tourists across the country for its affordable themed tasting menus.

Previous hit menus at Six by Nico include its Chippy Tea, which offered a unique take on the traditional fish and chip shop dinner, its Fairytale menu, and its Alice In Wonderland-inspired supper with a hot mushroom consomme ‘tea’ and edible sugar paper menus.

Find out more here.

Sounds of the City

Friday 6 July – Sunday 15 July 2023 | Millenium Square

stage with crowd outside.
Image: Millennium Square

One of Leeds’ biggest gig series will be taking over Millennium Square again in the summer of 2023. Already announced are McFly (6 July), Kasabian (7 July) Blossoms with Miles Kane (8 July), Morrissey (12 July) Bastille (13 July), The Wombats (14 July) and Shed Seven (15 July).

Find out more here.

The Big Harewood Garden Party

Saturday 8 July 2023 | Harewood House

outside of Harewood House.
Image: Wikicommons

There’s a giant garden party going on at Harewood House – and everybody’s invited. With a special collaborative meal designed by internationally-renowned artists Lucy & Jorge Orta to embrace, as well as street food and live entertainment, the day explores the way that “food crosses divides” as part of LEEDS2023 Year of Culture celebrations.

Find out more here.

Leeds International African Arts Festival

Saturday 8 July – Saturday 15 July 2023 | Various locations

three people dancing.
Image: LEEDS2023

The debut week-long festival celebrates dance, artwork, poetry, film and above all, rich heritage and culture, brought to life through art. Featuring a Jollof Cook Off and Cinema Africa at Hyde Park Picture House, there’s something to get involved in every night of the week.

Events are held at Leeds Trinity University, Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds City College, Reginald Centre Library, and Leeds Beckett University throughout the week

Find out more here.

Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch

Sunday 9 July 2023 | Neighbourhood, Greek Street, Leeds city centre

neon sign at Neighbourhood.
Image: Supplied
two glasses.
Image: The Hoot Leeds

Neighbourhood’s sell-out Mamma Mia bottomless brunch event is back and we couldn’t be more excited.

Prepare to live out your Greek island dreams and sing along to all your favourite ABBA tracks, all whilst enjoying 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and mouthwatering food. We can’t think of a better way to end the week, can you?

There’ll be Mamma Mia performances from live dancers, lip sync battles, dance-offs, and sing-alongs, all soundtracked by your favourite ABBA classics. Drinks wise you are truly spoilt for choice, Neighbourhood offers one of the biggest booze selections in the city when it comes to a bottomless brunch.

Find out more here.

Project House opening

Friday 15 July 2023 | Armley Road, Leeds

Brudenell, Belgrave Music Hall and Welcome, Project House have joined forces to bring the city a brand new gig spot. The 1,000 person capacity venue is set to bring together far more than just a new space to jam out on a Friday night.

Named Project House, expect a multi-purpose venue that combines music, markets, parties, even adding in a new restaurant concept and exhibition and conference space.

British indie-rock group Bombay Bicycle Club have already been confirmed to play at the new un-named venue, as well as fast rising jazz virtuoso saxophonist Nubya Garcia, and award-winning Canadian jazz outfit BADBADNOTGOOD.

The space is also set to play host to Roller Girl Gang’s Roller Disco, Northern Craft’s Creative Car Boot Sale, The Mega Record Fair, Ambient Yoga sessions, and more is expected to be announced off the back of this too.

Find out more here.

Leeds Youth Music Festival

Friday 21 July 2023 | First Direct Arena

group of children on stage playing drums.
Image: Art Forms Leeds

The Youth Music Festival is in its seconds year, and brings together over 500 children and young people in a celebration of musical talent. Featuring over 50 different school’s work, the Youth Music concert kicks off the festival with “36 concerts in 36 days”.

Find out more here.

Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival

 Friday 21 July – Sunday 23 July 2023 | Funkirk Farm, Skipton

ice cream cake.
crowd sat on grass.

Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival is a county-wide celebration of cookery classes, tastings, workshops and bars, live music- and there will even be Gino D’Acampo, Si King and Dave Myers from The Hairy Bikers and Yorkshire’s own James Martin in attendance too. An ideal day trip from Leeds if you’re looking for a way to taste some of the county’s finest and still have plenty of time to head back into the city centre for the evening.

Find out more here.

Tramlines Festival

Friday 21 July – Saturday 23 July 2023 | Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

Sam Fender performing at Tramlines 2022.
Sam Fender headlined in 2022. / Image: The Sheff

Fine, this isn't in Leeds - but it is well worth a trip to Sheffield for! After a sellout year, Tramlines is set to return for 2023. There’s little information about headliners at present, but there’s a good reason those tickets are flying off the shelves, so keep an eye out for any updates or read about Tramlines 2022 here.

Find out more here.

Castle Howard Multisport Event

Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 July 2023 | Castle Howard, York

race car.
Image: Castle Howard

If you're looking for a day trip from Leeds for the whole family, Castle Howard has a whole host of activities all summer long.

‘Swim through Castle Howard’s Great Lake, cycle through the Howardian Hills, run
through the undulating countryside of the estate before a sprint finish tops everything off in style right in front of the main doors of the house. Throughout the weekend, athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy a fun-packed festival village featuring live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga and more.’

Find out more here.

Free Palomas for International Tequila Day

Thursday 27 - Friday 28 July | Boom Battle Bar, Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre

paloma drink at Boom Battle Bar.
Images: Supplied
pink grapefruit soda and loaded fries.

Mixer company Franklin & Sons is giving away free cocktails to celebrate International Tequila Day and you can get yours as part of the 2,600 Palomas, given away on a first-come first-served basis from Boom Battle Bar.

Participants also have the chance to win £150 of Boom Battle Bar games along with a free round of Palomas for their group – upload a picture of your Paloma creation to Instagram, tag @franklinandsons and use the hashtag #remarkabledrinkswithoutcompromise to enter.

Find out more here.

Feature Image - Gary Butterfield via Unsplash

Feature

The very best record shops in and around Sheffield city centre

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Sheffield has always been a musical hub, birthing talent like Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, Pulp and our record shops are equally stellar.

The North is famed for its music legacy, and although Manchester may be known for having a wide variety of record shops, it's time Sheffield got some credit too.

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

Bear Tree Records

Bear Tree Records in Sheffield
Bear Tree Records in Sheffield
Credit: The Sheff

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

Hub.

Hub. in Sheffield is exactly what it says on the tin, and even though it may be small, it's record collection and music memorabilia is certainly mighty.
Hub. in Sheffield is exactly what it says on the tin, and even though it may be small, it's record collection and music memorabilia is certainly mighty.
Credit: Audio North

This Sharrow Vale shop is oozing in steeze as it boasts an expansive hip-hop collection and has some streetwear-inspired apparel to go with it.

Hub. is exactly what it says on the tin, and even though it may be small, its record collection and music memorabilia are certainly mighty.

This might be the unofficial-official flyest shop in Sheffield and is the passion project of owner Dylan, who has well and truly maximised this space.

Where to find: 308 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8ZL

Spinning Discs

Spinning Discs: This site is Sheffield through and through, just by digging through a crate or two you'll stumble across Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Self Esteem.
Spinning Discs: This site is Sheffield through and through, just by digging through a crate or two you'll stumble across Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Self Esteem.
Credit: The Sheff

This site is Sheffield through and through, just by digging through a crate or two, you'll stumble across Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Self Esteem.

But that’s not all, there are tons of brand-new releases and second-hand records throughout this record shop as well as merch, books and prints.

Make sure you say hello to the legendary David Bowie, who is hard at work curating and sorting out all the records so you can have a browse.

Where to find: 1 Lees Hall Ave, Meersbrook, Sheffield S8 9JE

Grub Records

Grub Records Sheffield: A shop where you can browse records while sampling a selection of stocked wines - Sign us up.

A shop where you can browse records while sampling a selection of stocked wines - Sign us up.

Named Grub Records, you literally can feed the mind and the soul by having a look at their unique records while sipping a chardonnay or two.

This spot even hosts exclusive nights throughout each month with featured live DJ nights, including everything from open decks to b2b sets.

Where to find: 586 Queens Rd, Lowfield, Sheffield S2 4DU

LP Record Store

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

We couldn't reel off notable record shops in Sheffield without mentioning this staple institution, Record Collector, which has been serving the music lovers of this South Yorkshire city since 1978.
We couldn't reel off notable record shops in Sheffield without mentioning this staple institution, Record Collector, which has been serving the music lovers of this South Yorkshire city since 1978.
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

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.
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.
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.

Where to find: 284 Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8U

Tallbird Records

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...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXOvdZuDFNA/?hl=en&img_index=1

Read more:

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Feature

A Leeds icon has been reborn as The Smithfield opens in former The Reliance site

Daisy Jackson 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 Smithfield
Co-founder Steve Dawson outside The Smithfield
The Reliance has been reborn as The Smithfield
The Reliance has been reborn as The Smithfield
Wayward Wines
Wayward Wines
The dining room
The 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 leeks
Steak, pie, and charred leeks
A spread of the plates at The Smithfield
A spread of the plates at The Smithfield
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding
The Smithfield has taken over the old The Reliance
The Smithfield has taken over the old The Reliance
Pigs head croquettes with gribiche
Pigs head croquettes with gribiche
The chicken and tarragon sharing pie
The chicken and tarragon sharing pie
A sharing pie and chips at The Smithfield
A sharing pie and chips at The Smithfield
Beef sirloin with wild garlic butter, and purple sprouting broccoli with ricotta and mint
Beef sirloin with wild garlic butter, and purple sprouting broccoli with ricotta and mint
Wild Cornish seabass with kohlrabi, fennel, and chervil - plus an orange wine from Wayward Wines
Wild Cornish seabass with kohlrabi, fennel, and chervil - plus an orange wine from Wayward Wines
The Smithfield is now open
The 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.

Read more

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

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