Feature

The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 13 – 19 November 2023

12 places to check out this week in Leeds.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 13th November 2023

What a week we've got ahead.

Christmas starts to creep into the cityscape with the return of the infamous THORs Tipi tents on Friday; Leeds International Film Festival will keep our evenings packed with exciting indie flicks and there's a host of new food and interior openings in the city.

Here's twelve ideas to get you started on your week in Leeds...

Leeds International Film Festival

Monday 13 November - Sunday 19 November 2023 | Various locations

Image: Leeds International Film Festival

The longest ever LIFF is taking place this month and after three years of missing out, Hyde Park Picture House is returning as a key venue for 2023. There's a huge selection of indie movies to check out this year, with around 200 different films being shown across the seventeen-day festival.

Find out more here.

Pizza Pilgrims opening

From Monday 13 November 2023 | Boars Lane, Leeds City Centre

The London-born pizzeria is expanding, and Leeds is lucky enough to be its next stop. Think fluffy ‘bready’ bases, slightly charred for that authentic Neapolitan taste, dusted off with fresh tomato marinara sauce and mozzarella – each paired with a different combination of toppings.

Whilst there’s no opening date announced just yet, Pizza Pilgrims has confirmed it will be opening on Boar Lane in Leeds City Centre, with signs going up earlier this week inside the former Beer Hawk site, advertising free pizzas ‘and other goodies’.

Find out more here.

Art Roundhay Park

Monday 13 November – Wednesday 31 January | Roundhay Park

Image: The English Art Co

Nothing says Christmas than getting wrapped up and strolling leisurely round a market.

And it’s not just the city centre that will be filled with stalls and visitors this year, as Roundhay Park is getting in on the action with a brand new Christmas Market and art exhibition. Art Roundhay Park will showcase new original artwork inspired by the astonishing beauty of Yorkshire’s landscapes, coastlines and wildlife.

The exciting new opening will also feature a Christmas Market where visitors can shop gifts perfect for the big day. It’s the perfect opportunity to get something extra special which you won’t find anywhere else.

McFly Live

Monday 13 November 2023 | O2 Academy, Cookridge Street

One of the most significant British pop bands of the twenty-first century, McFly, will be taking to the O2 Academy this week. With seven UK number-one singles, six top-ten albums, seven arena tours and ten million records sold worldwide, McFly show no signs of slowing down and are set to bring a huge performance to the city next summer alongside their brand new studio album.

Since hitting the big time as the youngest band ever to have a debut album go straight to number one — even beating The Beatles’ long-standing record — Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry have become one of our most beloved bands.

Find out more here.

Sonder opening

Opening Tuesday 14 November 2023 | Grand Arcade, Leeds City Centre

Japanese and retro interior meets coffee store, there’s a new interior concept from Olivia Fayne is set to open in the coming weeks, stocking interior items, one-off pieces and even Olivia’s own paintings.

Find out more here.

Steak Night at The Ox Club

Wednesday 15 November - Thursday 16 November 2023 | The Headrow

Much loved Leeds restaurant The Ox Club has a new deal in town for those looknig for a midweek meal out. Grab yourself a steak, chips, house butter and watercress for £15.95 every Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm.

Find out more here.

Enola Gay Live

Friday 17 November 2023 | The Key Club, Merrion Centre

band performing at a festival.
Image: Enola Gay via Facebook

 Belfast-based Irish noise-punk band Enola Gay will be coming to Leeds on their upcoming tour, and naturally The Key Club is an obvious choice on where to find them.

The 4-piece formed back in 2019 and has a keen following across the UK and Europe, and during this upcoming tour, the band have promised free crates of beer and 'rock, paper scissors matches' to those that let them sleep on their sofa - it's all very rock and roll.

Find out more here.

Thor’s Tipi opening

From Friday 17 November 2023 | Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery

Image: THOR’S Tipi Leeds

Where: Victoria Gardens, Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD

When: From Friday 17 November – Sunday 31 December 2023,  open 12pm-11pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm-8pm Sundays, with last orders called 30 minutes before

Thor’s Tipi is something that’s become a real Christmas staple in Leeds. Serving up 170,000 pints, 125,000 cups of mulled wine and 55,000 hot chocolates each season, Thor’s is seasoned in the festive drinks game, so take a seat by the fire and cosy up with your favourite festive tipple.

Find out more here.

The Prodigy Live

Saturday 19 November 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

band performing with red lights in the background.
Image: The Prodigy

One of the 'most successful electronic groups of all time' will be heading to Leeds' own First Direct Arena this week, and there's still chance to bag some last minute tickets.

Selling an estimated 25 million records worldwide including over 4.7 million albums in the UK, you'll recognise The Prodigy tunes, but if not, it's worth heading down for Soft Play (formerly Slaves) and Jack Saunders, who will both be supporting the show.

Find out more here.

Herencia Sunday Roast

Sunday 18 November 2023 | Stonegate Road, Meanwood

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Inspired by his family and Filipino heritage, Nicko’s Sunday roast is far from your average roasties and Yorkshire combo.

Expect exciting new flavours, tender meats and a flaky pastry veggie option with seasonal sides that’ll have you gobbling up your five a day.

Glass Onion Vintage Pop-up

Sunday 19 November 2023 | Project House, Armley Road

One of Yorkshire’s biggest pop-up vintage stores is returning to Leeds, this time at new event space Project House. For second-hand fits and preloved garms, this place will become a true treasure trove for all savvy thrifters.

Find out more here.

Featured Image - The Prodigy /THORs Tipi

Feature

Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC

Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show

This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.

That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.

So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.

Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.

An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month

Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

What can we expect from your upcoming EP?

This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.

What is it like being a Northern independent artist?

I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.

How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?

This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.

Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?

Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.

What does a performance day look like for you?

I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.

What is your ultimate dream musically?

I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.

What's next for Cole LC?

I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.

Read more: Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Roukaya B | February 2026

Featured Images - Supplied via Press shots

Feature

Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.

Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.

It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.

The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.

So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".

Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."

It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.

"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."

The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.

It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.

Read the full review here.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds restaurant hailed as ‘charming’ and ‘delightful’ by national critic Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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