The best places to eat for free in the city centre and beyond.
Easter half-term is on the horizon and if you're looking to take your kids out for a day of fun, here is a list of places where they can eat for free to help you save a few pennies.
Whether you're on the move and need a quick meal deal whilst out shopping or fancy a mid-week Italian with the family, there's an offer here which will definitely suit you.
Yard and Coop
Image: Yard and Coop
This restaurant on Merrion Street is the home of buttermilk fried chicken. Made with their own secret recipe, think dirty burgers, crispy chicken wings and indulgent loaded fries.
This half-term, Yard & Coop are giving away one free kids meal with every adult main ordered. For the kids there's an option of boneless chicken nuggets or cauliflower nuggets served alongside a choice of chips, mac and cheese, cheesy mash or salad. And for dessert a special treat of ice cream with sauce and sprinkles! There's even crayons and lego on site to keep them entertained whilst you enjoy your well-deserved delicious meal, what a winner!
Yard and Coop, 6-8 Merrion Street.
Marks and Spencers Cafe
Image: Marks and Spencer
From Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022, M&S cafe are giving away one free kid's meal deal when you spend £5. The meal includes a sandwich, toastie, pizza or pasta, a snack (such as gingerbread or a chocolate lolly), a piece of fruit and a drink.
Grab yourself one of their luxurious macaroni cheese toasties to keep you fuelled as you browse the shops, and get a well balanced meal for your little one to enjoy alongside it.
Marks and Spencer, 2-9 Ludgate Hill.
YO! Sushi
Image: YO! Sushi
Based in Harrogate town centre, this futuristic sushi restaurant with a conveyer belt of goodies is sure to keep your little ones occupied. From 3.30pm- 5.30pm on Monday to Thursday, your kids can took into the Mini Ninja menu as you enjoy your favourite Japanese hot dishes and sushi delights.
The offer incudes one main, one side and one drink from the kids meal deal menu and a dessert can be added for an extra £1.50. The offer is not valid at the Leeds location, but make a short trip to Harrogate to enjoy this fantastic deal.
YO! Sushi, Unit 5 Albert Street.
Asda
Kids under the age of 16 can eat for free when an adult spends £1 in any Asda Cafe. Meals include a fish finger meal, a kid's cooked breakfast and a lasagne meal. All hot meals include a piece of fruit and a capri sun, bottled water or carton of milk.
The offer is valid from Monday to Friday after 3pm and there is also free baby food pouches on offer for kiddy winks under 18 months.
Morrisons
Need a pit-stop during your weekly shop? In Morrison's cafe, kids eat free all day every day nationwide with one paying adult. Choose from a wide range of options from their children's menu which offers nutritionally balanced meals.
As well as this, throughout Easter they are hosting their 'Feed a Family for £10', where you can tuck into two adults meals, two kids meals, two adult drinks and two kids drinks for just £10. Head to your nearest Morrisons to make sure you don't miss out on these bargains.
Bella Italia
Image: Bella Italia
Craving a big bowl of comforting spaghetti or fancy a slice of margarita pizza? Then head to Bella Italia this Easter where you can feed your little ones for just £1 with every main meal purchased.
The offer includes three courses and one Cawston pressed juice for just £1 and is valid Friday 1 April - Sunday 24 April 2022. The menu is very extensive and has options for even the pickiest of kids. There's cheesy garlic bread, crudités with houmous, pasta with a selection of sauces and the classic margarita and pepperoni pizzas. There's also a warm gooey chocolate brownie on the menu which you'll definitely want to be pinching a spoonful of.
Bella Italia, 145 Briggate, Leeds.
Banyan
Image: Banyan
Banyan is the perfect place to ensure those tiny tummies are filled this Easter at no extra cost, while you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal. From the 4th - 8th and 11th - 14th April 2022, every adult meal comes with a free kids meal. This deal is available all day until 6pm
There's a huge variety to choose from including chicken spirelli pasta, mini fish and chips and sausage and mash. It's the perfect excuse for the adults to try out their new spring menu which features a deliciously sticky teriyaki salmon dish which is perfect for a midweek lunch. The offer is on at all Banyan restaurants in and around Leeds including Harrogate, Ilkley and Roundhay.
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Clementine Hall -
5th April 2022 
