Lots of free walks which cover all things music are happening across Leeds city centre spanning multiple music genres.
Leeds is getting even more musical, as if it wasn’t already, with some free music-themed walks taking place across the city centre.
These events which are run and hosted by musicians, music researchers and overall well-respected individuals who have certainly earned their right to natter about music.
Each ramble is tailored around a key area in Leeds music history from 2000s indie to Leeds’ vibrant club culture, expect some insightful and refreshing musical knowledge.
Leading the very first walk is none other than Kaiser Chiefs’ bassist Simon Rix and ¡Forward, Russia! Guitarist Whiskas.
Titled ‘¡New Yorkshire! Leeds Indie in the Noughties’ and will touch upon Leeds’ huge grip in the 2000s indie scene with references to Sky Larkin and of course, ¡Forward, Russia! Kaiser Chiefs.
Sarah Stathum is leading a very monumental walk on International Women’s Day and the discussion focuses around pivotal Leeds women who have left their mark in music.
Simply labelled ‘Women/ Music/ Leeds’ expect to chat about Star Wars composer Angela Morley, punk rockers Delta Five and Girls At Our Best, who run the world? Girls.
Another standout trail is led by Joe Williams, a Leeds born arts practitioner who’s no stranger to a ramble curating the Leeds Black History Walk every year.
Williams’ walk ‘Black Music in Leeds City Centre’ details the big journey black music has been on to reach our northern ears including visits from American choirs to the very first Carnival.
All these routes cover different areas of our vast city centre which means that all the meeting points vary too.
These events have been put together by Music Local an organisation who help place-based music support systems and infrastructures, tailored to individual music communities.
The first free music walk is taking place on 1 March and run every Saturday onwards with the last meetup happening on 19 April.
Leeds music lovers are in for a treat as two dates have double the fun to offer with 5 April and 8 March hosting two walks each.
If you’re interested in expanding your music knowledge or ready to get out of your winter slump and exercise your brain and legs, all the information you need is HERE.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Thomas Melia -
27th February 2025 
