Finally, we can safely say that spring is here- and there's a lot to enjoy this month.
Looking outside, it might not quite feel like the weather is getting warmer, but we're hopeful that we're leaving all the stormy skies and wet weather in February.
Regardless of the weather, there's so much to get involved in this March in Leeds. Given this will be the first non-lockdown March since 2019, there's a whole host of celebrations that are finally taking place in-person, we kicked the month off with Pancake Day and International Women's Day but there's still plenty of celebrations to come, including Mother's Day, St Patrick's Day, Holi Festival and more.
Keep reading to find out what our top things to do this March in Leeds are.
Alice in Wonderland Immersive Cocktail Experience
Image: Alice Cocktail Experience Global
An incredible Lewis Carroll-inspired drinking experience has opened in Leeds, giving Alice in Wonderland fans the chance to fall down their very own rabbit hole.
Lovers of the book series (or Tim Burton’s 2010 reimagining) will be able to meet the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter themselves as part of this fantastical 90-minute experience.
Thursday 3 March - Sunday 27 March 2022.
St Patrick's Day Parade
Image: Tom Blackwell, Flickr
St Patrick's Day isn't until the 18th, but the annual parade is due to take place on Sunday 13 March this year from 10am.
The parade will bring together floats, bands, walking displays, and representatives from Irish organisations, schools, clubs and societies from across Leeds- making it a great family day out. You can join in with the parade and head through Leeds city centre before reaching the party on Millennium Square where there will be a full afternoon of music and dance from Leeds musicians, dancers and invited guests. Guinness isn't mandatory but widely encouraged.
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of midweek madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Wednesday 16 March and Wednesday 23 March . Find out more here.
Stormzy at First Direct Arena
Image: WikiCommons
For those that missed the memo, international singer Stormzy is going to be in Leeds for one night only this month.
There's still tickets left for his highly-anticipated tour, the rapper has been trying to get to Leeds three times since the pandemic hit (previously September 2020 and April 2021) so this will be the first successful gig to take place at the First Direct Arena since 2020. Expect favourites from Stormzy's acclaimed debut ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and second album ‘Heavy Is The Head’ alike at the First Direct Arena.
Water Lane Boathouse is a bar that needs no introduction. The popular spot on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal has one of the best pub quizzes, beer gardens, lunch deals (so really any kind of themed day or night) around and their weekly art nights are sure to be added to this list.
There's specially guided workshops run by Beccy from Cut and Curve that will take your usual Wednesday evening and transform it into a fun and relaxing evening to learn a new skill and take home your very own hangers for your fave houseplant. Practical and creative- sounds like an ideal combination for anyone looking for a mid-week evening out that avoids a next-day hangover.
Here in Leeds, the celebrations of Holi will involve the traditional dry powder paints, as well as the serving of street food, live DJs and performances right in the heart of the city.
There will be four live DJs including Bollynights team, performances from talent near and far, as well as street food from local takeaway and catering service Punjabi Heaven. The festival last took place in 2019, and the long-awaited return has been highly anticipated. Tier one tickets have already sold out for the seven hour event, but remaining tier two tickets are still available for purchase.
Planet Earth II Live was due to tour across the UK and Ireland back in 2020, but pandemic-related restrictions have put off the performance until March 2022, when the show is finally scheduled to go ahead.
Rubbing shoulders with acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar is hinted to be a part of the experience, as well as racing alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, facing stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feeling the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes.
Revs de Cuba's Casa del Alma- Mother's Day Special
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Every month, Latin-inspired fiesta bar Revs de Cuba hosts a bottomless brunch experience set to the tune of a gospel choir- and this month, you can treat your mama to a live performance at their Mother's Day special event.
Running from 2pm - 6pm, the two-hour bottomless sitting provides a feel-good experience for all ages. Expect soulful performances whilst sipping on an endless list of boozy options. Expect unlimited cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Strawberry Daquiris and Bloody Marys, as well as pints of Mahou and glasses of Prosecco.
Inside the hidden Alice in Wonderland inspired bar is a decked out scenery complete with floating tea pots, fairy lights and kitsch tea party decor that creates a fantastical atmosphere for karaoke.
Across multiple events, guests can expect different themed karaoke nights from their favourite artists, including the legendary Spice Girls. Expect a night of all-singing, all-dancing feel-good music, complete with complimentary cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.
January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at restaurants and bars across Leeds
Clementine Hall
Food might be the last thing you want to think about right now, but if there's anything to brighten up the gloomy month of January then it's the deals.
Right across the city centre, you’ll find generous discounts, special set menus, and other offers all the way through January, to help our local hospitality scene through famously one of the most difficult times of year.
You'll be able to save money on just about every kind of food you can think of, from steaming bowls of ramen to champagne and steak.
There are a lot of January offers to discover around Leeds, and it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down, so we’ve done the hard work for you with a fairly comprehensive guide to the very best January deals.
The Cut & Craft
23 King Edward Street, LS1 6AX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A luxury steak and seafood restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer: Steak and Chips for £19′ offer, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am-4pm; there’s also a new set evening menu priced at £26 for two courses – Monday to Thursday, 4:45-10pm.
Blackhouse
What is it: An iconic Leeds steakhouse just moments away from the train station.
The offer: Enjoy 50% off food when you book online.
Galleria
Armley Road, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:One of Leeds' trendiest all-day hangouts and restaurants, located next to Project House this spot is perfect for some pre-gig scran.
The offer:Every Friday and Saturday night from 5pm through January (starting on the 9th), guests will be able enjoy a whopping 25% off their evening menu when booked advance.
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A staple for ramen lovers in the city with an interior so bright it'll blow away the January blues in an instant.
The offer:£10 ramen and rice bowls on weekdays plus a scratch card revealing a special prize.
Oporto
33 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's most iconic late night Irish bar.
The offer: This one's a good one, £3 pints of Guinness from 12 - 3pm and £5 Guinness 3pm - close. Every single day throughout January.
Olive Tree Brasserie
8 S Parade, LS1 5QX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A modern Greek-inspired restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer:Diners can enjoy 40% include Sunday - Friday throughout January and half of February.
Harvey Nichols Brasserie and Bar
107-111 Briggate, LS1 6AZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A restaurant serving brunch, small plates, and lunch options at any time of day.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu from from 12pm between 6 - 30th January, excluding Saturdays.
Tattu
29 East Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A swish Chinese restaurant famed for its enormous cherry blossom tree in the dining room, and its refined take on Chinese favourites.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu, all Sunday to Thursday (plus until 4.45pm on Fridays) between 1 January and 8 February, when you book online.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:Indian street food at its finest, Bundobust is a firm favourite amongst Leeds locals and has been for the past 10 years.
The offer: Two dishes and a beer for just £12.50.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A laidback bar and music venue serving up delicious food from different vendors.
The offer: Get half price slices from Dough Boys Pizza until 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 5pm Friday and Saturday, or between Sunday and Friday choose from five dishes for just over a fiver from Patty's Burgers - we're talking smash burgers and their iconic session fries.
Power, Corruption and Lies
36 Call Lane, LS1 6DT
What is it: The funkiest bar on Call Lane serving dim sum and great cocktails.
The offer: Get 50% off dim sum and £20 bottles of prosecco every Monday throughout January.
Meat:Stack
3 Bishopgate Street, LS1 5DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A laidback burger joint serving American-style smash patties, fries and milkshakes.
The offer: Get a burger, chips, dip AND drink for just £10 between 11 and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Cinnamon Kitchen
City Square, LS1 1PJ
What is it: Leeds' newest Indian restaurant located in the beautiful Queen's Hotel.
The offer: Dine on two courses for £19 or three for £22 if you visit between 12 and 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Neon Cactus
35 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A Mexican cocktail bar and taqueria that gives ultimate party vibes.
The offer:A whopping 50% off food throughout January. Simple, but very effective.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, LS11 5PF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's best canal side pub and eatery.
The offer:From 5 - 22nd January, enjoy 35% off all food all day every day and a sandwich plus drink for just £9.95 lunchtimes from Monday to Friday.
Sophie Smith -
28th February 2022 
