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The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 17 – 23 April 2023
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17th April 2023
The kids have gone back to school and the Easter festivities have sadly come to a close, but that doesn't mean you have to stop having fun.
We can't quite believe how fast this year is going (yes it's almost the end of April).
And as the sun creeps out from behind the clouds, Leeds is shining in all it's glory and is absolutely bursting at the seems with exciting things to do.
From tequila festivals to new restaurant openings, pizza-flavoured burgers and pub quizzes next to the canal - grab your loved ones and get involved.
Keep reading to find out more...
Caity Baser
Monday 17 April 2023 | Leeds University Stylus
Image: Caity Baser
Viral Tik-Tok pop star sensation is embarking on her very first headline tour, and of course she'll be coming to Leeds.
Caity combines honest, no-holds-barred lyrics with lilting, catchy melodies resulting in uplifting pop songs with a real bite. Her lyrics are filled with British slang, often aimed squarely at those who have wronged her in her past.
Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 April 2023 | Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane
Image: Opera North
“It’s time to take a soundwalk in your city as part of Leeds 2023…” This is an unmissable, free event taking place in collaboration between Opera North and Leeds 2023.
Composer and musician Abel Selaocoe has taken inspiration from the architecture of Leeds and his African heritage. Performing with the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North and guest artists, Selaocoe creates beautiful music that embraces the healing power of walking.
Simply pick up a pair of headphones and meander on a musical adventure through the city as your sound pack triggers new musical chapters to accompany you on a transformative journey, taking in Leeds’ most recognisable landmarks.
MEAT:STACK Pizza Specials
Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April 2023 | Bishopgate Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Popular burger spot MEAT:STACK are back at it again with deliciously unique specials, and this time it’s all about pizza. They have collaborated with Scream For Pizza to create these unbeatable specials, a fantastic pizza restaurant based in Newcastle where MEAT:STACK was born.
Expect all your fave parts of a pizza combined with Meat:Stack’s delicious grass fed, aged beef smashed patties, and of course their perfect chips– absolutely unreal.
Officially embarking on it's first full week of opening, the new restaurant will seat 160 diners in an open plan setting, featuring an impressive marble bar, outdoor terrace, on-site deli, cicchetti bar and separate lounge area.
The full menu has been designed by Gino himself, with a team of esteemed chefs, to bring the best flavours to the city for an unforgettable experience. There’s a particular focus on quality and ingredient provenance for the food whilst the drinks menu will boast signature cocktails, Italian and international wines, Prosecco, Franciacorta, spirits and artisan beers.
Wednesday 19 April 2023 | Candle House, Granary Wharf
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Every Wednesday night from 7pm there’s the chance to win a £50 bar tab and test your knowledge with a quick-on-the-draw quiz at SALT Granary Wharf. Taking place on a smartphone, there’s rounds of general knowledge, pop culture, sports and everything in between.
Make sure to assemble a team full of your smartest mates for this one, with a £50 bar tab on the line, every Wednesday is the most competitive you’ll see this place.
Leeds Tequila Festival
Friday 21st April 2023 | The Tetley, Hunslet Road
Image: Leeds Tequila Festival
We've had the whiskey festival and now Rolling Social Events are treating us to another spirit-fuelled festival and this time it's tequila.
"Regardless of whether you can explain the difference between a mezcal and sotol, have just discovered the world of agave or simply enjoy a margarita, this is an event for all levels of interest."
If you're a tequila lover this shouldn't be missed and in the glorious venue of The Tetley, it's an absolute no brainer. Get your tickets here.
The Alchemist 10th Birthday Cocktails
Monday 17 – Sunday 23 April 2023 | Trinity Leeds
Image: Supplied
Trinity rooftop bar The Alchemist turns 10 this month and is celebrating a decade of ground-breaking mixology by bringing back some crowd favourites.
Head to the beautiful rooftop bar and sample their Butter Beer, Key Lime Pie or Maple Manhattan cocktail whilst overlooking an astonishing view of the city. These comeback cocktails are popular for a reason and are not to be missed.
Hidden inside the Grand Arcade, Tailor’s is a clothes alternation store by day, bar by night and bottomless brunch hotspot on the weekends. Priced at £30 per person for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, served with a special ‘ring for gin’ bell so you can keep topped up throughout the entire experience.
Choose from a selection of craft gin and tonics, all carefully chosen flavours perfect for a summer’s afternoon. Think Yorkshire rhubarb, British berries, Seville orange marmalade, Sicilian lemon and elderflower and a modern take on Pimms, strawberry and basil.
Feature
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
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
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
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.
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17th April 2023 
