This might just be the busiest week of 2024 so far.
This week we’ve got both Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day to celebrate, and it’s even half term for some schools across Leeds so of course there's lots to get up to in the city centre and beyond.
So If you're feeling spoilt for choice, have a read of our handy guide where we've cherry picked the best of what to get up to this week.
Pancake Day
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Across the city
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of the best days in the foodie calendar is here this week and it’s time to decide where you’re going for the ultimate stack.
From thin crepes with lemon and sugar to pillowy, thick buttermilk stacks which are showered with a whole host of delicious toppings – there’s a pancake dish for everyone to devour this Shrove Tuesday in and around Leeds. Have a look at our Pancake Day Guide here.
Valentine's Day
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Across the city
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – so we've pulled together a list of 10 of the best restaurant deals around the city so you and your loved one can enjoy a meal out for less.
Whether you’re celebrating the big day with your significant other, heading out on the town with your pals or just looking to give yourself some well-deserved self love – there’s nothing better then enjoying a lovely meal out. Find out more here.
Ever wanted to see what it’s really like to perform open heart surgery first-hand? Or how about learning about the ins and outs of germs and how they affect our day to day lives?
Located just a short trip out of the city centre in Harehills, The Thackray Museum is an award-winning haven of learning, jam-packed with an ever-changing collection of immersive galleries, mind-blowing exhibitions and so much more. There’s so much to get up to this February, all of which is created to inspire and entertain our next generation of big thinkers.
From Thursday 1 February 2024 | Royal Armouries, Leeds City Centre
Image: Leeds City Council
The touring Knife Angel sculpture is coming to Leeds this February, to send a powerful message and spark conversations about knife crime in the city.
The Knife Angel, standing tall at 27ft and made from over 100,000 seized blades, was created by the British Ironwork Centre to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and the need for change.
The poignant sculpture will be placed outside the Royal Armouries Museum as part of an intensification month on knife crime which launches on Thursday 1 February 2024.
Six Nations 2024
Monday 12 February onwards | Across Leeds
Image: The Box Bar UK
The Six Nations returns for 2024, and we’ve found all the best places to watch the game in the company of like-minded fans.
Whether you’re secretly rooting for Ireland to keep hold of the title or ready to cheer on England this year, we’ve found all the best places to go and pull up a seat in Leeds.
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
12th February 2024 
