It's time tuck into some haggis and knock back a few drams of whisky in Leeds for Burns Night.
Come on then, let's party like the Scottish do for Burn's Night because what's not to love when it comes to hearty suppers, haggis, whiskey and poetry?
Held on 25 January every year, Burns Night celebrates the life and works of the Scottish national poet and writer of Auld Lang Syne who was born on this date back in 1759.
The tradition sees many Scots raise a glass to the late poet, whilst tucking into some traditional neeps and tatties and other really Scottish stuff.
So here's a roundup of some five fantastic Burns Night celebrations taking place in Leeds this year for all you foodies out there to get involved.
Whitelock's Ale House
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Turks Head Yard
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where better to celebrate a historical event than the oldest pub in Leeds? They'll be hosting a Burns Night themed supper club which combines Scottish seafood, innovative takes on Scottish classics and of course, the mighty haggis.
Five courses of fantastic food in a lovely setting, you can't go wrong. Book here.
Empire Cafe Leeds
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Fish Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a fan of whiskey then you definitely don't want to miss out on this one. A beautiful 3 course menu paired with 3 cocktails showcasing whiskeys from the Ardbeg Distillery, you'll be transported to whiskey paradise in no time.
Friday 26 and Saturday 27 January 2024 | Harewood Yard, Harewood
Image: Harewood Food and Drink Project
Venture out of the city centre to Harewood and prepare to embark on a journey through a tasting menu exploring the flavours that Scotland has become famous for.
Expect incredible produce, poetry, haggis, a wee dram and bucket loads of tradition. Find out more here.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Thursday 25 January 2024 | 478 Roundhay Rd, Oakwood
If you haven't visited The Cheesy Living Co.'s new site in Oakwood then first of all, why not? And second of all, this is your perfect opportunity.
Get ready for sharing boards, whiskey flights and so much more to get you in the spirit. For just £35 per person, you certainly can't go wrong. Book your table here.
The Ox Club's annual Burn's Night celebrations return and it's set to be one of the best in the city. Four courses featuring some of Scotland's finest flavours, all for just £50 per person? Count us in. Book your table here.
Featured image - Unsplash
News
A modern Mexican restaurant made famous in Manchester is opening in Leeds city centre next week
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Take a look inside the huge Tulip Festival that’s just opened in Yorkshire with over one million tulips
Clementine Hall
Farmer Copley's Tulip Festival is back and it's just as beautiful as we remember.
Spring has officially sprung and with it, so does Farmer Copley's iconic Tulip Festival that officially opened last Sunday.
Based in West Yorkshire, nestled between Pontefract and Featherstone, the Copley family really know how to get you feeling ready for the season ahead.
Just moments after entering the festival, we can assure you that winter will feel like a distant memory.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Spanning over 8 acres, Jack and the team have planted over 600,00 tulip bulbs consisting of 100+ different varieties of all shapes and colours that arrived directly from the Netherlands.
In addition to the 500,000 planted last year, that means there's over one million tulips to enjoy - now that is pretty impressive if you ask us.
Varieties include Carnaval de Rio, Tom Pouce, Gavota, Lily Flowering Mix, Blushing Appledorn, Wedding Dress and Rodolfo.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The festival includes five sections that have been split by 5 metre walkways enabling the best customer interaction in the field.
There's two dedicated pick your own areas where a mix of bulbs have been planted to ensure that visitors have a wide range of tulips to explore, pick from and create the perfect bunch of tulips. How lovely is that?
Of course there's plenty of photo opportunities, fairground rides and a bar to enjoy the view with a tipple or two.
This really is the perfect family-friendly day out and with the weather looking gorgeous (for now), we'd take the opportunity to see the tulips looking their best whilst you can.
The festival is on until Sunday 3 May 2026, with tickets starting from just £9.
To find out more and to book your ticket, take a look at Farmer Copleys website. We'll see you in the tulip fields.