If you love a good brew, then you won't want to miss Leeds first-ever dedicated tea festival.
Held at Temple Newsam, the British obsession with tea will be celebrated with some specially chosen events including tea dances, themed crafting sessions and baking.
Taking place from Saturday 2 October, events planned for the festival include dance lessons, a chance to visit the walled garden and sew your own tea bags, and a visit from the Yorkshire Tea blending teamwho will talk about different tea varieties, tastes, and blends.
There'll also be an exhibition of a rather impressive stitched afternoon tea, created by Leeds crafters Love Art Leeds CIC, on display in the Still room throughout.
Fittingly, it transpires that the stately Leeds home where the festival will be held has its own connection to tea stretching back over 370 years.
Believe it or not, the home is connected to the first written records of tea drinking in the whole of the country - as revealed by an apothecary receipt dating back to 1642.
Found amongst a number of papers held for the estate by the West Yorkshire Archives, the Civil War-era bill for medicinal ingredients includes an order for a number of bottles of “China drink" - the old name given for tea by the English. Each bottle was priced at four shillings and sixpence.
It's thought to be the oldest reference to tea drinking in the country, predating Samuel Pepys famous 1660 diary reference, which states: "afterwards I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before, and went away.."
A special Temple Newsam tea, inspired by the estate and created by members of staff, will also be available to purchase throughout the festival.
Adam Toole, curator at Temple Newsam, said: “The house and the estate have made so many memorable contributions to the history of the city and the country over the centuries and we’re always making new discoveries about the people who lived and worked here.
“It’s fascinating that Temple Newsam played a part in the story of tea in Yorkshire, and we hope our visitors will join us over the next week to explore that legacy while they enjoy a cup or two.”
To find out more, visit the listing for the festival here.
Feature image - Temple Newsam
Leeds
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Leeds Jazz Festival returns to the city this month complete with best lineup yet
Clementine Hall
The 2026 edition of the Leeds Jazz Festival is here, and it's set to be bigger and better than ever before.
If you're a lover of jazz, then you're going to want to keep reading.
Now in its fifth year, Leeds Jazz Festival showcases the best of local, national, and international music through gigs, screenings, DJs, talks and more.
The festival is set to take place across the city from Thursday 21 to Tuesday 26 May 2026, making it the perfect event to enjoy across the bank holiday weekend.
Image: Supplied
Kicking the festival off is Submotion Orchestra, a boundary-pushing musical collective originally formed in Leeds who will be making their return to The Wardrobe for a very special gig.
Over in Chapel Allerton, Jazz Leeds will bring Donovan Haffner to Seven Arts, fresh from his wins for "Jazz Newcomer of the Year" at the UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards and "UK Breakthrough Act" at the 2026 JazzFM Awards.
Leeds Jazz Festival legend DJ Lubi has curated a fantastic night of live Cuban music, alongside a Cuban dance class and a DJ after-party at Howard Assembly Room.
Image: Supplied
Elsewhere at The Domino Club there'll be a whole host of different events taking place, including Three or Four Shades of Mingus, Alligator Gumbo, and two special shows celebrating the 100th birthday of jazz icon Miles Davis.
For more laid-back chill vibes on Bank Holiday Monday, Mercury Music Prize-nominated pianist Kit Downes will play an intimate performance in the stunning acoustics of Mill Hill Chapel. Now that is something not to be missed.
For full details on the lineup as well as information on free activities as well as ticketed gigs, visit the Leeds Jazz Festival website.
Georgina Pellant -
1st October 2021 
