10 of the best things to do in Leeds in April 2022
This month there's April Fool's Day, Easter and two full bank holidays to get through this month, and a whole load of events in the city centre and suburbs to take advantage of.
April Fools, Easter and two bank holidays...there's plenty to pack into this month.
Whilst we can't believe that we're officially a third of the way through the year, we're equally relieved to see the back end of winter (despite the snow coming down this week).
This month there's April Fool's Day, Easter and two full bank holidays to get through this month, and a whole load of events in the city centre and suburbs to take advantage of.
Keep reading to find out all the best things to do in and around Leeds this April.
Sakku Bottomless Brunch
St Peter's Square, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 2 April 2022.
Japanese sushi and Pan Asian grill restaurant, Sakku is hosting its first ever bottomless brunch experience this week- and it’s set to be quite the afternoon.
Having been open for just six months, Sakku has locally made a name for itself by bringing back one of the best ways to eat: using local and imported ingredients to bring unlimited dishes back to the dining table, at their hidden Leeds restaurant. Now, the busy restaurant is adding unlimited tipple to the menu and swapping unlimited food for booze during the one-day-only sitting.
Each seat at the table will cost £28.95 and includes four dishes and bottomless draught beer, Prosecco, Pornstar Martini and other cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks for all sittings between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
Albion Place, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 2 April 2022.
Image: My Cookie Dough
My Cookie Dough is opening their first ever sit-down cafe in Leeds at the weekend, and the first 100 customers get their delicious dessert for free.
As well as their beloved cookie dough, the cafe will be serving up an exciting new range of hot drinks and other desserts which are yet to be revealed. You’ll be able to grab your usual morning coffee as well, made with their newly developed special blend of coffee. The company already have a beloved following in Leeds and we can’t wait to visit their new permanent location which we’re sure will be a massive hit. Our mouths are already watering at the thought of the heavenly treats they will be serving up.
Saturday 2 April 2022 from 12pm. Find out more here.
Hyde Park Picture House UNHCR Appeal
Leeds University Union, Hyde Park | Sunday 3 April 2022.
Image: Hyde Park Picture House
The cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety. The showings will highlight a selection of Soviet 60s movies alongside more contemporary films that feature Ukrainian talent or storylines, as well as raising money for the cause.
Olga, a movie about a young gymnast with Olympic-potential leaves Kyiv just as Ukraine experiences unprecedented political turmoil, will be shown at Leeds University Union on Sunday 3 April 2022 at 3.40pm with a reduced capacity. The film follows the life of Olga, who is a distant bystander, as her mother, an investigative journalist, challenges a brutal regime.
A subtle, tensely handled tale of exile reflecting the pressures on young athletes, the clash between the personal and the political, and Olga’s search for who she is and what she is prepared to sacrifice.
St Peter's Square, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: The Wardrobe Leeds
For those that reckon they've completed just about every decent bottomless brunch in Leeds, The Wardrobe is offering a chance to channel your inner Christina Aguilera and Cher whilst sipping on cocktails aplenty at their one-off Burlesque Brunch event.
Start your boozy afternoon with a one hour masterclass with burlesque performer Roxy Stardust, a "GlasVegas showgirl" described as the "Powerhouse of Scottish Burlesque" then tuck into a 90 minute bottomless brunch sitting that's just as glamorous. Think bold flavours in cocktails like Bloody Mary's and Aperol Spritz, selected cask and Amstel, as well as Prosecco, Orchard Thieves and your choice of brunch dish.
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: Chapter 81
After the success of its Rum Festival in 2021, Leeds’ Corn Exchange is debuting Leeds Whisky Fest, a one-day festival that champions all things boozy. A vibrant selection of global and homegrown brands is set to take over Leeds Corn Exchange on Saturday 9 April, bringing an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world to our doorstep.
In total, there will be over 100 whiskies available on show, but you’ll only need the one entry ticket for all-access to unlimited samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings, as well as an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide to take home with you after your visit.
Saturday 9 April 2022, 12-4pm or 5-9pm. Find out more here.
Bad Boy Chiller Crew Live
Leeds O2 Academy, Cookridge Street | Tuesday 12 April 2022.
Image: Bad Boy Chiller Crew
Before performing at some of the UK's most exciting festivals, including our very own Leeds Festival and Sheffield's Tramlines festival, Bad Boy Chiller Crew is stopping at the O2 Academy Leeds on their UK tour.
The Bradford-based bassline collective recently made their way to an impressive ninth place in the UK charts for their single BMW, whilst their debut album, Disrepectful climbed all the way to second place in the UK charts and number one for UK Dance. GK, Clive and Kane will be performing all their best-performing hits to date in their home county for one night only this month- and we're sure this will be a light-hearted night of comedic anecdotes and melodic tunes to remember.
Leeds O2 Academy, Cookridge Street | Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022.
Image: Bongos Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of Sunday night madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022. Find out more here.
Chow Down
Temple Arches, Leeds City Centre | Thursday 14 April - Saturday 30 April 2022.
Image: Chow Down
Running from Easter until September, there’s going to be so much to enjoy for 2022 at Temple Arches. The set from former events, like the 2021 Winter Village, has been taken apart and brought back to life for the 2022 season with some exciting additions.
Opening its doors in just a few weeks time, Temple Arches will host a summer themed haven with a new food village, three-tier sun terrace, DJ huts and more. A nine-hole alfresco crazy golf course will make an appearance for the very first time for those looking to make a tee whilst sipping on cocktails and pints in the sunshine. Named Palm Swings, this is going to be a chilled-out golfing experience unrivalled in Leeds city centre.
Of course, Chow Down’s foodie line-up is equally as important to Leeds as its musical headliners, and this year, there’s plenty of new street food to tempt you over to Temple Arches too.
Thursday 14 April - Saturday 30 April 2022. Find out more here.
Provenance Inns and Hotels, West Yorkshire | Friday 15 April - Sunday 17 April 2022.
Image: PGHL
The Provenance Inns and Hotels groups will be hosting Yorkshire's biggest Easter egg hunt over the April bank holiday weekend to raise money for Red Cross. The group plans to hide a number of chocolate eggs across all seven venues, including The West Park in Harrogate and The Punch Bowl in Marton-Cum-Grafton from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
Anyone lucky enough to locate one of the chocolatey treats can also enjoy a free drink at their local Provenance bar. This can be a soft drink, or a pint of beer or a gin and tonic for those over 18. The bestselling Panko Crumbed Chicken with Garlic has now been renamed the Chicken Kyiv, and £1 from each one sold in April will go towards the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Friday 15 April - Sunday 17 April 2022. Find out more here.
Trinity Kitchen Spring Food Trucks
Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds City Centre | Friday 1 April - Saturday 30 April 2022.
Image: Jimmy Macks
Taking us into the warmer months are five brand-new food trucks with some seriously irresistible springtime menus at Trinity Kitchen. Think multi-coloured bagels, slow-smoked meat tacos, grilled cheese sarnies and fluffy steamed pittas inspired by traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
The food trucks have been taken over by the BadBoy Bagel Co. and their seriously ‘grammable rainbow bagels; Shouk, specialising in Middle Eastern cuisine; Jimmy Macks, the brains behind seasonal slow-smoked barbecue treats; Cheese Yard and a full menu of all things (you guessed it) cheese and Alleycats, bringing huge burgers to Trinity Kitchen.
Friday 1 April - Saturday 30 April 2022. Find out more here.
As one of the top ten places to live, as voted for by The Sunday Times, Chapel Allerton is a hive of community-spirit withlots to explore.
Back in 2021, The Sunday Times judges said that Chapel Allerton is: “a well supported independent high street – with a fishmonger, bookshop, cheese shop and much more – and an inspiring and imaginative community group, CA Spaces, make this urban village our favourite corner of Leeds.”
They’re not wrong. One of our favourite points about Chapel Allerton is its strong focus on supporting local businesses- there aren’t many places in Leeds, or indeed the UK, that you can visit a separate butchers, greengrocers, cheese mongers, wine store and more to complete your food shop with all locally grown and sold produce.
That’s not all that Chapel Allerton has to offer: there’s a host of indie cafes, plenty of green space and even a posh Aldi (whatever that means) that keeps this a family favourite place to visit.
Keep reading to find out what The Hoot recommends for a weekend in the leafy suburb…
House of Koko
62 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4LA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews.
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton. The menu here comprises beautifully presented dishes like pancakes drenched in syrup and you can't leave without trying their famous hash browns...if you know, you know.
George and Joseph, an incredible Cheesemongers on Chapel Allerton high street, is the place to go for everything squeaky and delicious.
You can grab everything from truffle brie to charcuterie essentials like cooked meats, fresh sourdough and local low-batch bottles of booze to accompany your dishes. This truly is the place to shop local and experience some brand new tastes you’d never pick up in the supermarket.
Originally a bike clothing brand, Paria has grown from an online side hustle to a full time business online and in Chapel Allerton. There’s coffee from local roasters Hard Lines and sweet treats from Laynes Bakery to choose from, all whilst you browse the cool collabs on the wall.
Name a better duo than a nice cold pint and a fluffy bao bun...we'll wait. Because that's exactly what you'll find at Brew + Bao, Chapel Allerton's newest watering hole offering banging drinks alongside asian street food. A real match made in heaven.
Yoga Kula
114 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4NY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to feel zen? Then look no further than Yoga Kula, Chapel Allerton's newest Yoga studio helping you to feel your absolute best.
The space is absolutely. beautiful and they offer classes for all abilities with lovely staff by your side every step of the way.
The Woods might be in the running for our favourite beer garden in Leeds, and since coming under new ownership by the legends at Roland's last year it's only gotten better and better.
It's the perfect spot for a sunny pint with mates whilst tucking into a couple of pizzas, a great oasis outside of the city centre that still has a lively feel about it.
Bloc Studios
31 Well Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven't heard, Reformer Pilates is all the rage at the moment. And luckily for us, there's a fantastic little studio in Chapel Allerton where you can do it.
Bloc Studios is a gorgeous boutique space offering the very best reformer pilates classes. Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a class for you at Bloc to get your workout in.
Bad Bunny: What you need to know for Super Bowl halftime show
Thomas Melia
Global superstar Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show and we're giving you the rundown about this reigning reggaeton artist.
Born in Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio, now more widely recognised by artist moniker Bad Bunny, is a Spanish-speaking act who has transported modern-day reggaeton from Latin America to all new heights.
The Puerto Rican powerhouse has only ever visited the UK once, performing at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, seven years ago back in 2018, as part of his first ever world tour titled La Nueva Religión.
Since then, El Benito has dropped seven full-length studio albums and nine musical projects overall, which have all helped establish him as a major force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Alongside his musical career, Bad Bunny has seen himself at the forefront of various pop culture moments thanks to his innovative fashion sense and notable charm.
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show on 8 February / Credit: Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)
What iconic moments is Bad Bunny known for?
With his first album X 100Pre (Forever) dropping back in 2018, Bad Bunny has spent almost a hefty eight years in the limelight, so it will come as no surprise that there's plenty of iconic moments you might remember.
Bad Bunny as a Drag Queen - To coincide with the release of his single 'Yo Perreo Sola' (I Twerk Alone), Benito stepped into unchartered territory, debuting three different Drag personas to combat toxic masculinity in the reggaeton music scene.
WWE - Benito is a huge fan of wrestling. He first appeared for a performance at the Royal Rumble in 2021, before returning later that year and teaming up with Damian Priest to take down The Miz and John Morrison.
VMA Performance - The Latin multi-hyphenate made headlines in 2022 after kissing a male dancer on-stage. Both fans and media outlets stated the performance harked back to Madonna's similar showcase two decades prior - Watch Bad Bunny's kiss HERE (skip to 2:50).
Met Gala - Well-recognised for its glamourous and glitzy outfits, the Met Gala brings together A-Listers for a showcase of all things fashion. Bad Bunny was styled by fashion house Jacquemus and wore a backless suit with a 26 foot train.
The Super Bowl is a huge accomplishment for all artists, now Bad Bunny joins the headlining roster / Credit: Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
SNL - The LATAM star has appeared on American comedy sketch-show SNL numerous times, both as an artist and as a part-time comedian. In 2023, Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal became an overprotective aunty and mum duo and had crowds laughing uncontrollably.
Carpool Karaoke - James Corden's nighttime show segment was welcomed into the reggaeton world courtesy of Bad Bunny. However, it's his cover of 'Break Free' by Ariana Grande where he discusses it's the first English-spoken song he ever learnt that had people falling in love with him.
Coachella - This desert-based music festival is known for its large-scale productions and in the early summer of 2023, Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-singing artist to headline this mega music celebration.
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí - Translating to 'I don't want to leave here', this was the title of his Puerto Rico residency. As well as creating lifelong memories for fans, this 31 date experience also boosted the economy of his home country.
What songs will Bad Bunny perform at his Super Bowl halftime show?
With 28 songs over one billion streams, Bad Bunny is going to have a tricky time deciphering which of his hits to include in his upcoming halftime show performance.
His most recognisable album is the beach-inspired Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You) which features six tracks with over one billion streams, so it's safe to say this LP is guaranteed some love.
The latest addition to El Benito's discography DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should've Taken More Photos) might also steal the spotlight due to its focus on exploring traditional Puerto Rican sounds.
And, after reconciling late last year, Bad Bunny might take his friendship with J Balvin to Super Bowl status, performing songs from their collaborative album OASIS as well as their Cardi B link-up 'I Like It'.
The Hoot's Bad Bunny Super Bowl setlist predicition:
NUEVAYoL
Tití Me Preguntó/ Me Porto Bonito/ Moscow Mule (Medley)
Dákiti
I Like It (With Cardi B and J Balvin)
La Canción (With J Balvin)
Callaíta (With Tainy)
Un x100to (With Grupo Frontera)
Baile Inolvidable
Super Bowl halftime show performances normally contain around 10 songs and the setlist is very tight-lipped, however, it's always fun to throw out a predicition or two before the event on Sunday 8 February.
Which special guests will join Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show line-up?
Bad Bunny has worked with a multitude of artists from reggaeton sidekicks to pop supremes like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa and Drake.
Although it's highly unlikely these big names will all be free at the same time, when it comes to the Super Bowl anything is possible.
The 'Tití Me Preguntó' songwriter is heading to the UK for the second time ever in his career, for his Debí Tirar Más FotosWorld Tour and he's chosen Tottenham Hotspur as the location for this huge cultural moment.
If you're wondering where to get tickets, you have two chances to watch this superstar in his element as he's performing on June 27 - Tickets HERE and June 28 - Tickets HERE.
Hopefully now you've discovered more about who this Latin American artist is so you're not left clueless when the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots take a quick 15 minutebreak mid-game.
Featured Images - Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)/ Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
Sophie Smith -
31st March 2022 
