From candlelit dinners and live music to cookery competitions and painting masterclasses, here's how you can start feeling the lovethis Valentine's.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're feeling unsure on how to celebrate it, then we've pulled together a list of activities and experiences for you to get up to.
Whether you're celebrating with your significant other, a group of mates or just treating yourself (which you absolutely should), we all deserve to feel loved up at this time of year.
So whack out your diary, keep reading and get planning your next date night.
Hidden behind a gentleman's barbershop in the Grand Arcade you will find The Domino Club - a moody, sexy, late night jazz bar which makes for the ultimate date night spot.
Take a seat at a candlelit table, order your favourite cocktail and watch the magic unfold. They host live musicians every night who showcase some of the best jazz, blues, funk and soul that you can find in the city.
Once you're nestled in here, we can guarantee that you won't want to go anywhere else. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night then booking is advised and can be done here.
Take a stroll around Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Kirkstall Abbey.
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in all of Britain, and we are extremely lucky to have it on our door step. There's nothing better than taking a romantic stroll around the grounds, hand in hand, with the whooshing sound of the River Aire acting as your soundtrack.
Come rain or shine, this magnificent abbey looks astonishing any time of year and is well worth the trip out of the city centre.
Relax and unwind at Iveridge Hall Spa
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a dip in a hot tub? Then head to Iveridge Hall Spa, a family-run independent business that offer incredible, luxury spa experiences.
You and your loved one can enjoy some well deserved TLC by relaxing in a private hot tub and unwinding in an outdoor therapy spa pool. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up with one another and forget about the stresses of the outside world. You can even book a couple's massage for that extra special, luxury treat.
There are loads of romantic restaurants in Leeds, but we have a soft spot for The Ox Club and it's warm, comforting atmosphere. Expect exposed brick walls, warm lighting, gorgeous wooden furnishings and pops of colour via eye-catching art work.
Specialising in live-fire cooking, the food here is astonishing. Opt for the 1kg Highland cote de boeuf to share alongside a brilliant bottle of red and finish with the Basque cheesecake topped with blood orange and fennel marmalade.
Trust us when we say that a meal at The Ox Club is one you won't forget easily, making it the perfect choice for Valentine's Day.
There's nothing more romantic then a dimly lit, secret cocktail bar where you and your loved one can stare into each other's eyes over a martini or two. And Below Stairs is just that - a trendy, speakeasy style bar located on South Parade that is an absolute drinking gem hidden in plain sight.
Expect an incredible, interactive drinks menu alongside impeccable service and ultimate, romantic vibes (if you can find it that is).
Share fondue at Cheesy Living Co.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Because nothing screams romance than a massive pot of melted cheese, right? And they serve it in abundance at Cheesy Living Co., one of Leeds' most beloved wine bars and delis.
Tuck into fondue at either their Oakwood location or original Corn Exchange location, your heart will be set alight in no time.
Go head to head at Roxy Ballroom
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a competitive couple then you will want to head down to Roxy Ballroom immediately to try your hand at their huge list of games. Challenge your partner to a game of shuffleboard before taking the party to the pool table to see who the ultimate winner is.
You can do all this with a delicious cocktail in hand whilst tapping your toe to their iconic rock and indie soundtrack.
Take a cookery class together at home
Image: Migrateful
If you're fancying a night in but still want to indulge on some delicious food, then why not whip up a storm at home by following a virtual cook-along session.
Migrateful is a critically acclaimed social enterprise supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants to teach their traditional cuisines to the public as a way to access employment and integration in the UK. It's the perfect opportunity to learn some new culinary skills together whilst supporting the lives of their refugee chefs.
The classes are conducted via Zoom with all participants receiving a list of ingredients and equipment before hand. Expect a delicious meal to enjoy at the end of it as well as the privilege to take a look into someone else's culture and stories.
To find out more, take a look at Migrateful's website.
Get artsy at Paint A Pic
Image: Paint A Pic
For the creative types, this is 100% the activity for you. Paint A Pic is a super fun event that combines drinks with a crafty art class. Expect to sip your way through delicious tipples all whilst creating a Picasso like masterpiece to take home with you.
They host events across the city numerous times a week and each event has a different theme. You could be painting a romantic sunset, a beautiful landscape or an eye catching portrait - no experience is needed and it's the perfect opportunity to get your Bob Ross on.
To have a look at their upcoming events, take a peek at their website.
Experience the tasting menu at Prashad
Image: Prashad
If you're really looking to push the boat out and treat your significant other this Valentine's Day then why not enjoy a night of fine dining at one of Leeds' most critically acclaimed restaurants, Prashad.
Prashad is a family-run, independent Indian restaurant based in Drighlington, Leeds. They have been serving up their deliciously authentic North West Indian recipes for 30 years and have received multiple awards for their seven course tasting menu.
The perfect evening for a couple that love their food and want to sample some of arguably the best cuisine in Yorkshire.
Allow us to get you excited about the next one with a list of new openings coming to the city.
If you're feeling a little bit down in the dumps about 2025 ending then do not fear, because we've got a feeling that the next year is about to be even bigger and better.
There's already a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops gearing up to open up in Leeds during, so let us fill you in.
Salon Madre and Madre
Wellington Street
Image: The Manc Eats
Are you ready for a fresh taste of Mexico Leeds? Well you better be – because Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street in due course.
Not only that, but their lively sibling Salon Madre will be opening next door on Friday 20 February. Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens. Madre will open one month later.
Trinity Kitchen 2.0
Image: Supplied
Trinity Leeds is embarking on a major transformation with a £15 million expansion, introducing a second food court called ‘Freight Island’ The upgrade will add around 72,000 sq ft of new space, including a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking City Square the perfect spot to enjoy great food with skyline views.
Burgerism
Meanwood
Image: The Manc Eats
You may remember when Burgerism had a delivery kitchen in Leeds, and ever since it closed we’ve had a Burgerism-shaped hole in our hearts. Well not any longer, because the Manchester-based burger chain has been given the go ahead to open a takeaway on Meanwood Road - hallelujah.
Dishoom
Taking over the old Flannels Site on Vicar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The legendary Indian restaurant group is coming to Leeds, and we’re absolutely buzzing about it. Dishoom is inspired by the Irani cafes of 1960s Bombay, which were meeting places for people from all walks of life.
Famed for their Indian twist on a classic breakfast (seriously, their breakfast naans are out of this world), Dishoom offers an all-day dining approach so you can get your Bombay fix from morning to noon and noon to night.
Planning permission is up for the restaurant to take over the former Flannels site on Vicar Lane, so fingers crossed it won’t be too long until we can all get stuck in.
Just when you thought the wine scene in Headingley couldn’t get any better, Once Upon A Vine is popping the cork on their third site - right in the heart of Headingley.
Expect hundreds of wines, plenty of bottles of fizz, and of course, a carefully curated local beer selection.
Uniqlo
Briggate
Image: Uniqlo
It’s happening…Uniqlo has confirmed it’s opening up right here in Leeds next year and we must say it’s looking very nice indeed. The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site. It’s part of a new expansion across the UK alongside new stores in Birmingham and Bristol.
A new Japanese grill and BBQ restaurant is opening up from Fern, the absolute mastermind behind Fern Modern Sushi. Opening up in the heart of the city on Vicar Lane, we can't wait for this one.
Dough Club
Burley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.
Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they’ll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.
MADE Matcha
Lower Briggate
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing MADE Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year. And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site and this pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Lane 7
Albion Street
Image: The Hoot leeds
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
News
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Clementine Hall -
7th February 2023 
