Eats

The best things to do in Leeds this week | 4 – 10 April 2022

There's so many things to do this week, no matter what the weather looks like.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 4th April 2022

Whatever the weather, we've found all the best things to do in our city.

Last week we experienced all four seasons, sometimes only an hour apart from each other, so this week, we wanted to make sure we were prepared for all eventualities.

Whether the skies are blue with sunshine cascading down as we flock to the beer garden in our masses or another bizarre snowstorm arrives and sends us all into the nearest coffee shop or museum, there's loads to get involved in as we settle into the spring months.

Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Leeds this week, according to The Hoot Leeds...

Eggcelent Easter Hunt

Thackray Museum of Medicine, Harehills | Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022.

Image: Chapter 81

This Easter, the Thackray Museum of Medicine is hosting a whole range of egg-citing activity programmes to bring the Easter holidays to life. Visitors are invited to explore the museum as part of the ‘Eggcellent Easter Egg Hunt’, in which several eggs will be hidden throughout the exhibitions, and participants asked to complete a trail to get their hands on a mini Easter treat.

Suitable for even young children, there will even be an 'Egg and Sperm Race', where players will compete to reach the egg first, and an ‘Absolutely Smashing Matching Hatching Game’, which will put your knowledge of eggs and growth in the animal kingdom to the test. Please note that parental supervision required at these events.

Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022. Find out more here.

Burlesque Brunch at The Wardrobe

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.

Saturday 9 April 2022. Find out more here.

Leeds Whisky Festival

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.

Seagulls Spring Market

Seagulls Reuse, Kirkstall Road | Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022.

Image: Seagulls Reuse

After the success of Seagulls' Winter Market, the organisers have decided to host a springtime second act with a whole host of indie makers and creators in attendance.

Ben from Seagulls Mosaic has organised the entire event, enlisting the help of Kirkstall Brewery and Ginny the Gin Wagon to supply afternoon tipple whilst Hu & mee offer a variety of Panda-themed items (cards, towels, mugs, you name it!); and Kat Williams, an Illustrator inspired by stories, mythology, history, education and funny animals, will be selling her bestselling prints alongside other stallholders.

Boki Ethical sell sustainable stationery, home decor and clothing. They are a creative space for standing up for causes close to their hearts like mental health awareness, environment, women’s rights and equality. Goods in General concentrate on vintage, industrial and salvaged. All items are practical, quality items saving them from landfills and ensuring they won’t be left to gather dust.

Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022. Find out more here.

Leeds Young Film Festival

Carriageworks Theatre | Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022.

Image: Leeds Film

Families are being invited to step into the world of cinema as the Leeds Young Film Festival returns for its 24th year during the Easter Holidays. At this year’s festival, families can join the ‘Secret Silver Screen Society’ and help character Louise Le Prince and her friends save the future of film.

Following some quality family screenings, children will be challenged to bring their own stories to life, thinking up new ideas and setting off on a quest around the city. The exciting challenge will appeal to children of all ages by getting them involved and sparking their creativity. The family-friendly films selection has been specially programmed for this year and is set to captivate young audiences at the Carriageworks Theatre, with the support of the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery.

Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022. Find out more here.

Bongos Bingo

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.

Feature Image- Seagulls Reuse

Eats

A Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in one of Leeds’ coolest venues

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson A Yorkshire BBQ restaurant has opened in one of Leeds' coolest venues

A new Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in Leeds city centre, with sandwich fillings cooked over open flame.

Mandy's Barbecue has taken over the kitchens at The Attic - already one of the city's coolest spaces - serving sourdough sarnies by day and small plates in the evenings.

It's brilliant news for The Attic, after their last resident, Fener Bar, closed after just two months after launching.

Headed up by chef Easher Panesar, whose CV includes the former Michelin-starred Man Behind The Curtain, Mandy's has a proudly Yorkshire menu.

He's created a menu of sandwiches with all the fillings cooked over an open fire barbecue, from BBQ rump steak to a Korean chicken thigh.

And when he says it's a Yorkshire barbecue, Easher means it - meat comes from Neil Smith Quality Butcher, fish is from Kirkgate Market (either S Myer's or Tarbett's Fishmongers), and he sources his veg from a local fruit and veg stand.

And the bread is proudly local too, sourced from Leeds indie Bluebird Bakery.

Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire
Mandy's Barbecue in Leeds cooks its sandwich fillings over fire
Mandy's Barbecue has opened in The Attic, taking over what was previously Fener Bar
Mandy's Barbecue has opened in The Attic, taking over what was previously Fener Bar
Produce is all proudly Yorkshire
Produce is all proudly Yorkshire
The sandwich menu at Mandy's Barbecue
The sandwich menu at Mandy's Barbecue
Mandy's Barbecue is now open at The Attic
Mandy's Barbecue is now open at The Attic

Once the sarnie menu ends at around 3pm, he pivots into small plates, like Jerk mackerel, BBQ sirloin with kimchi, lamb neck with pea puree, and a dark chocolate ganache with olive oil.

There's a new bespoke cocktail menu, created thanks to celebrated Leeds bartender Sands (who you might recognise from Rinse and Bottle Chop).

Priced at just £8 each, that includes classics like Negroni, Old Fashioned, Aperol spritz, Pineapple Daiquiri, and martinis.

Mandy's Barbecue is open at The Attic in Leeds now.

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.

The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.

That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.

That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.

And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.

The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.

The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.

Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.

Inside The Moot in Leeds
Inside The Moot in Leeds
The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms
The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms
There's still plenty of Leeds United merch everywhere
There's still plenty of Leeds United merch everywhere

Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.

"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.

"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."

Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.

When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.

Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."

New artwork in the windows
New artwork in the windows
Leeds Leeds Leeds
Leeds Leeds Leeds

Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.

The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.

For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.

She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.

"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

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