New openings, foodie pop-ups, unmissable art exhibitions and so much more happening this week in our vibrant city.
We're officially into the Summer months now and there's so many exciting things to get up to.
If you're not jetting off to somewhere exotic this week then absolutely no fear, as Leeds is bursting at the seams with music gigs, exhibitions and foodie events that you absolutely do not want to miss.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Sakku Samba Bradford Opening
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | The Broadway Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
SAKKU Leeds is known for their impeccable, all-you-can-eat dining concept where guests can tuck into as much food as they want in the given time frame.
And now they are opening up a new Sakku Samba in Bradford, with their grand opening taking place this Tuesday. Expect sushi rolls, bao buns and Japanese grill galore.
Book your table to this exciting new opening here.
Queens of the Stone Age
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | The Piece Hall, Halifax
Image: Wikicommons
The American rock band are still going strong after almost 30 years together. Only a few weeks ago the band’s first single since 2017 Emotion Sickness was released, along with an official announcement of the album In Times New Roman…so this tour comes with high hopes of tunes new and old
Tickets are still available and can be bought via Ticketmaster.
Flatbreads, rare-breed meats cooked mangal-style, house-made pickles and skewers - Ox Club will be collaborating with everyone's favourite Leeds street food legends Mor Mor.
The one-off seven course tasting menu is set to be a night of culinary excellence, tickets are selling fast so act fast and get yours here.
Summer Solstice: Asian Music Festival
Wednesday 21 June – Thursday 22 June 2023 | Leeds Corn Exchange
Image: Qais Essar
Lunchtime recitals, Indo-Jazz tunes to wash away the day, and as night falls, the Corn Exchange will celebrate the Summer Solstice with sweet melodies. Whether you come to see award-winning musician Qais Essar playing on 2,500-year-old instrument or just popping in for a cuppa and staying for an hour to listen to the music, it promises to be a day to remember.
Find out more here.
Afra Eisma: splashdown tender launch
Friday 23 June 2023 | The Tetley, Hunslet Road
Image: Supplied, The Tetley
The Tetley presents splashdown tender, artist Afra Eisma’s first UK solo exhibition. The artist, who is based in the Netherlands, transforms The Tetley, with textile works spilling out across the galleries, accompanied by soft sculptures, sound installations and ceramics.
A sense of fun is essential to the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to sit and rest on, feel and cuddle, interact and participate with the central artwork on display in the Atrium. Entry is free and the exciting exhibition runs until October. Read more about it here.
With a deep baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man has been capturing the nation’s attention for a good decade now. His album Life by Misadventure debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became the fastest-selling album by a solo artist in 2021.
One of Leeds' best beer gardens Water Lane Boathouse are hosting a series of summer pop-ups which are enough to get any foodies excited. This week they are hosting KOBEN subs and sarnies, created by the masterminds behind Thiccc Sauce.
Expect unreal sarnies and piled-high subs, all alongside a selection of delicious tipples from Water Lane. Can you think of a better weekend activity? We definitely can't.
It's been an absolutely belting year for new openings in Sheffield, and we're only just getting started.
We don't know about you guys, but we think Sheffield is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment. And trust us, that's a lot.
We've had some cracking spots arrive in the city so far this year, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out pretty pronto.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Maria
4 Wellington St, Sheffield, S1 4HD
Images: The Sheff
The talented team behind Bench and The Pearl opened up this beautiful restaurant in the city centre back in March, and it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage. It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Manchester’s beloved bakery, Gooey, has opened a gorgeous kiosk inside Meadowhall and we’re utterly obsessed.
They’ve brought their thick cookies, pillowy doughnuts and fabulous drink creations (hello French toast matcha) to Sheffield and it’s the perfect mid-shopping fuel.
Memory Dance
21 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD
Images: The Sheff
There’s a brand-new space that’s just opened on Chapel Walk, celebrating Sheffield in a truly unique way. From vinyl records and exhibitions to immersive cinematic experiences, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the city’s rich creative heritage.
JD Sports
Meadowhall, S9 1EP
Images: The Sheff
High street sportswear and footwear giant JD Sports has officially unveiled its brand-new superstore at Meadowhall, and it’s safe to say they’ve pulled out all the stops.
Packed with the latest trainers, streetwear, and all your favourite clothing brands under one roof, this new store is a must-visit if you’re planning your next shopping spree.
A bakery serving giant NYC-style cookies and fluffy cinnamon buns has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
If you've got a seriously sweet tooth, then you're going to love this new opening.
It seems like there's been a flurry of new bakeries popping up in and around Leeds recently, and we're certainly not complaining.
Introducing Crumbb, a beautiful new bakery that has just opened its doors on Hyde Park Road just moments outside of the city centre.
Owner Naila started the businesses as a wholesaler six years ago, stocking up local businesses from far and wide with sweet treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Since then, Crumbbs opened its first location in Bradford just a few months ago that has been nothing short of a resounding success. So much so, that Crumbbs 2.0 was born right here in Leeds a few days ago.
Right, let's talk you through what's on offer.
For the sweet toothed out there, there's a whole myriad of treats for you to enjoy. We're talking giant NYC-style cookies, fluffy cinnamon buns topped with gooey icing, brownies slices, cookie muffins, rocky road, flapjack, the list is truly endless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can even get warm cookie trays and hot brownies to enjoy in house that can be topped with ice cream or thick custard.
And it doesn't stop there, Crumbbs also whip up freshly baked savoury focaccia slices as well as cheese twists, pizza slices and savoury rolls filled with creamy mozzarella and herbs.
They've also got a fabulous drink selection on offer including matcha, coffee and hot chocolates.
Located in Headingley, we've got a feeling this spot is going to be a huge hit with students and locals alike looking to get their sweet treat fix. But they'll have to beat us to it first.
Clementine Hall -
19th June 2023 
