Can't decide between brunch and afternoon tea? Well now you don't have to.
And it's all thanks to Nesso - a new brunch spot on Merrion Street that is changing the game and bringing a whole host of new concepts to the city.
With a kitchen led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for his appearances on MasterChef UK and the Great British Menu, guests can expect a groundbreaking food menu balancing bold flavour with comfort and refinement.
So, what's going on an Nesso?
Italian Brunch Afternoon Tea
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Forget your boring old finger sandwiches that you'd share with your nan, and instead enjoy a full Italian-inspired brunch.
We're talking giant baked scones, Italian pastries like fresh cannolis, plenty of sweet desserts and coffee, tea or prosecco to wash it all down with.
It's the perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family on a weekend, and you can book your table here.
Italian Bottomless Brunch
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There's no denying that we all love a bottomless brunch, and the one at Nesso does not disappoint.
Instead of your average drinks, guests can enjoy a range of Italian aperitivo including Aperol and Limoncello spritz, selected beer and prosecco.
You can enjoy 90 minutes of free flowing drinks alongside a premium brunch dish of your choosing all for just £29.95 per person.
For brunch dishes, highlights include Baked Falafel Hash, Panettone French Toast and Bacon Ricotta Pancakes. Find out more and book your table here.
Weekend Musical Brunch
Image: Supplied
If you're a fan of musicals, then you're going to love this. Whilst enjoying your brunch, Nesso will be hosting themed musical experiences for you to dance whilst you're dining.
The themes will include K-Pop weekends, Queens of Pop, R&B classic and International throwback playlists.
Inclusive Dining and Event Spaces
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Nesso Leeds is committed to inclusive hospitality, so no one in your party has to miss out on the fun. The restaurant offers a separate halal menu available on request, with alternative options across brunch dishes.
The venue also accommodates most allergy requirements when bookings are made in advance, ensuring care and clarity for all diners.
Looking for a perfect venue for a celebration? With a capacity of up to 100 guests, Nesso Leeds is ideal for plenty of gatherings you have in mind.
You can find Nesso Leeds near the Leeds Grand Theatre and Leeds First Direct Bank Arena, making it the perfect stop to fuel up before or after your plans.
Slam Dunk Festival is back with another belting lineup.
Slam Dunk, the UK's biggest independent rock festival, has unveiled its first wave of artists - and its a lineup to get very excited about.
Hot on the heels of a milestone 20th anniversary this summer, the festival kicks off with Bowling For Soup, Simple Plan, Killswitch Engage, Beartooth, Sleeping With Sirens, The Used and The Front Bottoms topping the bill.
This time, Slam Dunk is doing things a little bit differently, landing here in Leeds first at Temple Newsam on Saturday 29 May before closing the weekend at Hatfield Park on Sunday 30 May 2027.
Leading the festival are two of pop punk’s biggest festival favourites. Bowling For Soup return following a memorable 2023 appearance, whilst Simple Plan will be rotating headliners, returning to Slam Dunk after 8 years and whose debut album No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls also turns 25.
Elsewhere, ska-punk favourites Reel Big Fish return to Slam Dunk for an exclusive UK reunion show, Less Than Jake are also back on the bill, bringing more than three decades of anthems with them, while The Interrupters join a formidable ska-punk showing and Isle of Wight punks Grade 2 bring a dose of old-school punk to the bill.
And it doesn't stop there, with even more names still to be announced to the already star-studded lineup.
Pre-sale tickets are available via the Slam Dunk app for up to 48 hours (subject to availability) from 10am, Friday 2 October, with remaining tickets on sale from 10am on Monday 5 October through all other outlets. Get yours here.
BBC Introducing announces massive Leeds takeover celebrating the UK’s best emerging artists
Clementine Hall
BBC Introducing and Leeds promoter Futuresound have announced a city-wide takeover this November as part of their ‘Introducing Live’ event.
Taking place in ten towns and cities across the UK, Introducing Live will hit Leeds on Saturday 28 November and showcase some of the best emerging artists in the UK today.
Not only that, but it will be held in some of the city's most iconic independent music venues including The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall and Oporto.
The 450-capacity venue The Wardrobe will be home to an 'Introducing on Radio 1' showcase featuring a packed programme including the Egyptian born, Manchester based alt-pop artist Nxdia, Lincolnshire indie-pop quintet Cherryholt, dark pop artist Precious Pepala, Scunthorpe singer-songwriter Will Parker and many more.
Meanwhile, over at Belgrave Music Hall, Emily Pilbeam from Introducing's Mixtape on 6 Music will showcase black country duo GANS, the local 7-piece project Group A.D., underground group holybones and more.
Oporto, famous for hosting some of the biggest names in music during the start of their careers, will host a dedicated 'Introducing Rock' takeover with Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe, with a line-up featuring Nottingham-formed rock duo Alt Blk Era, goth-grunge alt group Venus Grrrls, indie-pop BRIT School alumna jo from school, post-hardcore band Hollow Bloom, and Sheffield-based electro-metalcore band DUSTHOUSE.
Joe Hubbard, promoter at Futuresound Group, said: “We’re really excited to be working with BBC Introducing to bring this event to Leeds, for the first time! It feels a very fitting partnership after our partnership on Live at Leeds together over the years.
"Between headliners Nxdia, Alt Blk Era, Gans and Jaguar, I feel there’s something for everyone. I’m also really proud of the local offering we’ve got, with strong representation from BBC Introducing Leeds & Sheffield across the bill. There’s been months of work behind the scenes to make it happen, so it’s a great feeling to finally release the line-up to the world. See you in November!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am and you can get yours here.
The Hoot -
24th February 2026 
