From beer festivals to foodie specials and a whole host of new openings, our vibrant city is overflowing with exciting things to get up to this week.
Hello autumn, it's nice to meet you.
Although it seems bitter sweet to wave goodbye to summer, we have to say that September in Leeds is leaving our diaries full to the brim.
And this week is no exception, we've got two major drink festivals taking place at the weekend which are not to be missed as well as some great new openings as we welcome new students in the city for Fresher's week.
Oh, and we're topping it all of with a seriously good Sunday roast launch at Green Room, be there or be jealous you're not eating it. So keep reading, and get excited for the week ahead...
Yes, it's that time again...Fresher's week. And if you're a new student to the city then first of all, lucky you, and secondly we understand it can feel daunting but we're here to help. We have rounded up a short guide of ten places which we think should be put to the top of your priority list when you touch down in Leeds (after studying of course), so take a look and enjoy exploring.
Bundobar! Everyone's favourite Indian street food spot are back with their limited-edition Oktoberfest specials, adding a spicy twist to German classics in celebration of the festival.
Expect pretzels, a Bundo take on currywurst and loads more - the specials are only available for one month so head down there this week to be one of the first people to taste them.
Monday 18 - Friday 22 September 2023 | Albion Street
Image: Bill's
It's your last chance to grab unlimited pancakes at Bill's for just a fiver...yes, you read that correctly. Between 3-5pm from Monday-Friday, you can tuck into as many pancakes as you like for 90 minutes.
With both sweet and savoury toppings, you can mix and match these buttermilk beauties as much as you like. But be quick, as this flash pancake sale isn't sticking around for long!
Game, set and match - it’s time to get competitive at the brand new Beyond Board bar which is opening this Monday. Student scrabble-lovers assemble because you can now play board games to your heart’s content in this new bar located at The Hive inside the Student’s Union. Beyond Board will be open to everyone: students and non-students alike, and the list of board games available will rival your local Toys ‘R’ Us.
Springwell Sessions
Friday 22 September – Sunday 24 September 2023 | Springwell Brewery and Taproom
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To say farewell to the summer season, North Brewing Co’s biggest beer festival Springwell Sessions will return for one last hurrah. Expect three days of craft beer from local favourites and international breweries, as well as cocktails, street food and live music.
Saturday 23 September 2023 | Royal Armouries Museum
Image: Chapter 81
Drawing a crowd of rum lovers across the city, Leeds Rum Festival is exactly what it says on the tin. Expect over 100 brands, pop-up shops, spirit masterclasses and of course, plenty of rum to sample.
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Green Room, Wellington Street
Image: Supplied
Following on from the success of a winter residency at Boot and Rally in Meanwood, Braizin’ Squad is bringing back it’s Sunday roast – but this time it’s slap bang in the city centre at Green Room.
Taking over the kitchen every Sunday from 24 September, Green Room will be hosting some of the best roasts around (yes, we mean it). Taking a very respectable 14th place, Braizin’ Squad at Boot and Rally was officially crowned as one of the UK’s best roast earlier this year.
A popular package holiday company has launched a new ‘Beckham Clause’ to help protect feuding families.
It's official… family fallouts are now holiday-proof, thanks to a new ‘Beckham Clause’ that’s been launched by a Manchester-based travel company On The Beach in the wake of the ongoing – and at this point, inescapable – Beckham family feud.
In case you need bringing up to speed, then allow us to (briefly) sum up the Beckham family drama for you as best as possible.
Basically, at the centre of this discourse the eldest Beckham child, Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, and primarily his mum Victoria, although as the months have gone on, it appears there’s no member of the Beckham family that isn’t somewhat involved (okay, maybe not Harper… well at least not publicly, anyway).
Image: Natalya Zaritskaya (via Unsplash)
Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn had become estranged from his family, and had told his parents to contact him only through lawyers.
And then yesterday, of course, Brooklyn publicly spoke out about the accusations on his Instagram Stories for the first time ever… and all hell broke loose in the celebrity news world.
On the Beach’s new clause – officially titled the Family Fallout Refund, and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses – aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer, as it applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown.
Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.
Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities, every year hundreds of holiday bookings need amending due to feuds, On The Beach said, which is why it’s chosen to launch the new refund scheme.
“We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach.
“The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool.
“Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”
The Family Fallout Refund is available on family holidays with five or more people, and needs to be claimed at least 60 days before departure.
It applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August 2026.
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Clementine Hall
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Clementine Hall -
15th September 2023 
