There's so much excitement surrounding the postponed Euro 2020 tournament, which finally kicks off this weekend on Friday 11 June.
It's been a long time coming, with some people in Leeds waiting over a year to simply sit down, enjoy a pint and watch the footy in their local.
But, now the time has come, we've put together a list of some of the best places in Leeds to catch the action. After all, you haven't waited all this time just to be stuck with a subpar seat.
Here are some of our top picks for watching the Euro's in Leeds this summer.
The Myrtle Tavern
The landlord at this Meanwood pub is putting on a 'VIP festival of football' this summer, screening every Euro 2020 game in luxury. There's a mega 7 x 3 metre screen and 50 VIP benches here, with tickets costing £100. For that, there's 12 bottles of beer and six packets of crisps included and seats will be reserved after the game.
Dry Dock
With plenty of screens inside and plans to expand outside too, with more seating and screens set to appear ready for the Euros this summer, this characterful pub is a great choice if you want to watch the football. Make sure to book in to avoid disappointment, though.
The Beck and Call
Another Meanwood establishment - operated by the folk behind Belgave Music Hall. Family-run, this boozer has BT Sport and Sky Sports on a huge screen in the Tap Room and on other screens dotted around the venue.
Headingley Taps
This popular student pub has confirmed it will be showing all the Euros games this summer, with bookings being advertised online.
The Royal Armories
The Royal Armouries in Leeds Dock will transform into a football festival for theEuros, with each game preceded by a three-course meal, special guest speakers and live entertainment. The Magnificent 7 event will see all the action beamed onto huge indoor screens alongside match analysis.
Toast
With some tasty beers and grub on offer alongside the football this summer, Toast is a good choice if you're looking for somewhere to spend a few hours before watching the game.
Walkabout
A good stop-off for sports fans in general, this summer Walkabout is going all-out for the Euros with a host of big screens showing all the matches. There'll likely be some special offers closer to the time too.
BOX recently opened a new site in Chapel Allerton / Image: BOX
The Box
A great place to watch the footy, both venues in Chapel Allerton and Headingley will be screening all the Euro action this summer.
Skyrack
This Headingley pub is now taking bookings for those who want to watch the footy. Inside this student favourite you'll find a whopping 12 screens for catching the action, outside a delightful sun terrace.
O'Neills
O'Neills has confirmed it will be showing every Euro game this summer, so if you're stuck for somewhere to watch, you know where to go.
The Brotherhood
Another popular choice for sports fans, all the football matches will be screened here for Euro 2020.
Original Oak
This large pub in Headingley has a big screen in the beer garden and smaller ones dotted around inside too. Arguably the finest sports pub on Otley road, what sets it apart is its lovely beer garden complete with a huge screen.
Brooklyn
This lively Call Lane drinking den will be showing all the Euros matches throughout the summer. With big screens inside, fat burgers and tasty cocktails and you can’t really go wrong here.
Cuckoo
Known for its boozy bottomless brunches, crazy cocktails and free stonebaked pizzas (before 9pm), Cuckoo might not be the first place you’d think of to go watch the footie but we can confirm they’ll be showing all the matches here.
Call Lane Social
This family-run favourite is going to be screening all of the Euros matches. Even better, there’s no need to book - just walk straight in.
Verve
For cold beers and top tequila cocktails, Verve is always a shout. Football fans will want to pull up too, because management have now confirmed they will be showing all the matches for the Euros here.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar
This Merrion Street tiki bar pulls no punches on its cocktails, serving up a mix of signatures and twisted classics alongside tasty pizzas with a variety of toppings. Now taking bookings and walk-ins, you probably want to reserve a table here to make sure you get a good view of the footy action.
Leeds
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
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.
Georgina Pellant -
7th June 2021 
