Leeds

The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 24 – 30 April 2023

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Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 23rd April 2023

It's the last week of April so let's end it in the best way possible.

Yes, it's time to wave goodbye to one month and say hello to another. And no, we can't quite believe it either.

But even though the year is moving faster than we might like, at least Leeds is packed full of exciting things to get up to. As always, to help you plan out your week we've cherry picked the best things you can get up to.

We've got Leeds' biggest and best beer festival taking place this weekend as well as brilliant live music gigs taking place in the city centre and beyond - you definitely don't want to miss out so keep on reading.

Michael Buble Live

Monday 24 April 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Michael Buble is for life, not just for Christmas – and he’ll prove it when he pops into town with his new album and tour. Get ready to sing along to classics such as 'Haven't Met You Yet', 'Sway' and 'It's a Beautiful Day'.

We can't think of a better way to kickstart the week, can you?

Tickets are still available, starting from £87.50 at Ticketmaster.

The James Orchestral Tour

Monday 28 April 2023 | York Barbican, York

James are back, this time with a full orchestra, and heading over to York Barbican in celebration of their 40th anniversary and double album. They’ll also have a gospel choir and new versions of their greatest hits, fan favourites and deep cuts.

Tickets are currently sold out but waiting list open at See Tickets.

As You Are : A Leeds Soundwalk

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 April 2023 | Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane

Image: Opera North

“It’s time to take a soundwalk in your city as part of Leeds 2023…” This is an unmissable, free event taking place in collaboration between Opera North and Leeds 2023.

Composer and musician Abel Selaocoe has taken inspiration from the architecture of Leeds and his African heritage. Performing with the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North and guest artists, Selaocoe creates beautiful music that embraces the healing power of walking.

Simply pick up a pair of headphones and meander on a musical adventure through the city as your sound pack triggers new musical chapters to accompany you on a transformative journey, taking in Leeds’ most recognisable landmarks.

Find out more here.

Three's A Crowd x Slingsby Gin

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Three's A Crowd, North Street

 
 
 
 
 
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The new gastropub located on North Street has taken the city by storm. Having already got a venue in Harrogate which is just round the corner from world-renowned Slingsby Gin, the two are collaborating for one night of dinner and drinks. 

The 5-course Spring Dinner will feature incredible cocktail pairings with each course, this is definitely going to be a night to remember (especially if you're a lover of gin).

Reserve your spot here.

Springwell Sessions

Friday 28 April – Sunday 30 April 2023 | Bustlingthorpe Lane, Sheepscar

three glasses.
Image: Springwell

Springwell Sessions is hosting four day and night events across three days, bringing together the best local independents in the area, as well as around the world breweries just outside of the city centre at North Brewing Co.’s own brewery, Springwell.

Hosted at Springwell, the indoor-outdoor event is going to be transformed into a collaborative space for some of the UK’s favourite brands. Local favourites Bundobust Brewery will sit alongside DEYA, Cloudwater, and Brulo, amongst other exciting names in the beer world from near and far – including exciting appearances from overseas breweries.

Saturday tickets have sold out, but you can get your Friday tickets here and your Sunday tickets here.

Olly Murs Live

Friday 28 April 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Olly Murs is back (he stepped back from the music industry for four years but remained on our screens with his TV career) with a new album and a massive UK arena tour. The X Factor alumni will be heading up to Leeds in 2023 with a gig in support of his new album Marry Me.

Tickets are still available, costing £32.50 and £59.50 at See Tickets, with good availability.

Beyonce Bottomless Brunch

Friday 28 April 2023 | Manahatta Greek Street, Leeds city centre

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Manahatta is hosting a fabulously iconic bottomless party alongside the Beyoncé experience by everyone’s favourite drag queen, Aaron Carty. For a whopping 90 minutes you can indulge on delicious food, free-flowing drinks and incredible live entertainment. What else would you want to do on a Friday night?

And they’re really pushing the boat out with this one, everything is Beyonce themed including the drinks menu and when it comes to picking your tipple, you’re truly spoilt for choice.

Find out more here.

Best of British Showcase

Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 April 2023 | Victoria Leeds

Image: Supplied, PGHL

Stalls from some of Britain's finest stores and manufacturers will be at Victoria Leeds to showcase the 'Best of British' gifts, party pieces and 'suitably royal fashion' ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III.

Harvey Nichols will act as the centre point of the event and will be hosting a VIP Champagne Bar.

Find out more here.

Taste:BD

Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 April 2023 | Centenary Square, Bradford

Image: Supplied

Bradford’s newest outdoor food and drink festival, Taste:BD, promises to be a celebration of local culture in the heart of the city. The festival will celebrate the very best of Bradford’s food, drink and entertainment scenes.  

Taste:BD will be held across two central locations in Bradford city centre, Centenary Square and City Park. With over 40 food and drink partners taking part, guests can expect a vibrant selection of street food, drinks and arts to enjoy over the weekend.

Cheesy Living Co’s Fondue On Tour

Saturday 29 April 2023, 7pm | Boot and Rally Bar, Meanwood

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Following on from the sellout success of the Corn Exchange’s fondue night, the Cheesy Living Co. is taking its much-loved cheese nights on tour across the city. Stopping at Boot and Rally Bar on Saturday 29 April 2023 (with tickets still available here), the fondue nights will also be available earlier in the month in Pudsey, Chapel Allerton and Oakwood.

Find out more here.

Leeds

Legally Blonde at Leeds Grand Theatre – a powerful portrayal drenched in pink | Review

Declan Kelly Declan Kelly

Nearly twenty years on, Legally Blonde still reminds audiences never to underestimate themselves.

There is something wonderfully refreshing about a musical that embraces joy without irony, and the 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde at the Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House does exactly that.

This sparkling revival captures all the charm, humour, and heart that has made the show a modern musical theatre favourite, proving that Elle Woods' story has lost none of its appeal.

Adapted from the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde remains far more than a fluffy feel-good comedy. Nearly twenty years after its Broadway debut, its themes of self-worth, perseverance and refusing to be underestimated continue to resonate, making the show's message feel as relevant as ever.

Image: Supplied

From the opening strains of 'Omigod You Guys!', the production establishes an infectious energy that rarely lets up.

Much of its success lies in Leah Hill's exhilarating choreography, which is packed with vitality and executed with astonishing precision. The ensemble attacks every routine with unwavering commitment, and the athletic feat that is 'Whipped Into Shape' proves a particular highlight. I will forever question how nobody appears remotely out of breath in this number.

Images: Supplied

At the centre of it all is Amber Davies, who proves herself perfectly suited to the role of Elle Woods. Effortlessly capturing the character's optimism and determination, Davies delivers a performance that goes far beyond the familiar blonde stereotype.

She brings warmth, vulnerability and impeccable comic timing to the role, ensuring that Elle's transformation from heartbroken sorority president to accomplished law student feels both authentic and genuinely moving.

Image: Supplied

Vocally, Davies is superb. She tackles the demanding score with apparent ease, bringing emotional depth to the title number whilst delivering a thrilling rendition of 'So Much Better'. Her natural comic playfulness shines throughout, making both performer and character utterly irresistible.

Equally memorable is Karen Mavundukure's delightful turn as Paulette Bonafonté. Bringing warmth and comic flair in abundance, she proves herself as one of the evening's standout performers. Her heartfelt rendition of 'Ireland' beautifully captures the character's hopes and insecurities, while her scenes with Kyle provide some of the night's biggest laughs.

What makes Legally Blonde so enduring is its sincerity. Rather than making Elle Woods the punchline, the show celebrates kindness, female friendship and self-belief. In a world often quick to judge, there is something deeply appealing about a story that wears its optimism so proudly.

Legally Blonde is running until 13 June at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House and you can grab your tickets here.

Read more: Pretty Woman The Musical will be returning to the stage in Leeds next year

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.

We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.

There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.

But first, allow us to tell you all about them...

Domo

Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.

Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.

Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.

Read more: A look inside Leeds’ first Sardinian restaurant serving soul food on the water’s edge

Made Matcha

165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.

Kontrast

84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB⁠

Images: The Hoot Leeds

After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds.
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Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.⁠

Read more: Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch

Pardon Me

Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey LS28 5UJ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist.⁠
⁠
With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.⁠

Read more: Inside Pardon Me – Leeds’ newest neighbourhood record bar inspired by Japan

Silver's Bakehouse

62 Town Street, Farsley, LS28 5LF

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.

The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.

Read more: Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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