New openings, live music, TV specials, a pay rise and more.
As we enter the new year: there are lots of uncertainties. From Covid-related restrictions to whether or not Love Island will run again: who truly knows what 2022 has in store for us.
Here in Leeds, we already have plenty to look forward to in the coming year that no matter what is thrown at us, we'll still be able to enjoy ourselves. We've rounded up the best of the events, openings and general good news for our city that's getting us through to the New Year with a smile on our face.
The headliners we've all been waiting for are back. Earlier this month, Leeds Festival announced more than thirty artists for their 2022 festival, with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Dave and Bring Me The Horizon all set to perform on the main stage next August. They will follow on from Rage Against the Machine, Halsey, Dave, Polo G, Little Simz, Glass Animals, Wolf Alice, Enter Shikari, Run the Jewels, Bastille, Megan the Stallion, Jack Harlow, Circa Waves, Denzel Curry and so, so many more incredible acts. We can't wait to find out what the rest of the lineup will be.
This year’s A-level results saw an unprecedented number of high grades, which led to an overwhelming number of students meeting the terms of their conditional offers so some students at the University of Leeds were offered £10,000 in cash and a year’s free accommodation to defer their place for a year. The offer applied to mainly law and business students and caused uproar amongst alumni that were not given this same option in previous years. It's unknown how many people accepted the offer, but we'll find out this September.
The company were overwhelmed by local support after launching the for a Libations Rum distillery onto a crowdfunding platform and received 96% of donations needed towards their £150,000 budget in just twenty four hours. The plans for a dedicated production house comes after twenty months of careful planning and temporary stents around Leeds at various venues, so the rum makers will be delighted to land themselves a permanent home, opening in March or April 2022.
Muggles and wizards of Leeds will be sitting down on New Years Day at 8pm to watch the reunion of Harry Potter and the rest of the Hogwarts cast. The premier will air on HBO on 1 January 2022, before being shown on a range of additional US channels and Sky Max for us in the UK. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will return to Hogwarts alongside character favourites like Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs and Gary Oldham.
The best of indie and alternative music is set to play at the Temple Newsham location in June 2022 at Live at Leeds: In the Park. Think Bombay Bicycle Club, Nothing But Thieves, Arlo Parks, Easy Life, Sea Girls, Courting, Finn Askew, The Royston Club and plenty more. The only thing that’s left to do is Eat, Sleep, Wake, Nothing But countdown the day until the 4 June 2022.
The latest venture to land in Leeds is a new drink-dine-dance space from the TV star and multi-platinum selling musician, Tom Zanetti and his business partner, Kane Towning. From the creators of Dollhouse, the exclusive late-night dining concept is said to be the first of its kind in the city, taking inspiration from premium destination venues across London, Dubai and Ibiza. Over £300k has been invested in the project, the name of which is being kept under wraps until nearer the launch.
Back in October, the Treasury confirmed there will be a 6.6% increase for adults in the new financial year. The national living wage, currently set at £8.91 is set to increase to £9.50 for all workers ages 23 or over, with a lower minimum wage for younger workers. Those living in London will also see an increase in the London living wage, which accounts for the higher cost of living in the capital. This is set to reach £10.85 an hour.
Thanks to Almost Famous, there’s no reason we should have to go without eating out and enjoying a well-deserved burger in the new year. The chain's January offers will allow all eaters to grab a juicy 'best ever burger' from Almost Famous at half price. Having recently changed their production method to produce tender fall-apart burgers, the menu consists of delicious burgers like the classic Blame It On The Whiskey variety and new found favourite, the Juicy Double.
Soon you’ll be able to grab your sausage rolls, steak bakes, coffees and cakes on the go at the newest Greggs drive-thru in Yorkshire. The popular chain opened their first drive-thru to the public in Manchester back in 2017 but is now expanding at a quick pace, with new drive-thru branches opening in both Cumbria and Wales earlier this year. The construction of the new building is likely to begin in the new year after the former pub on the site has been demolished.
Nespresso is set to relocate to Trinity Leeds in the New Year, with an interactive boutique concept with tastings and demonstrations. This news follows the opening of Space NK’s store, doubling the size of the brand’s previous Leeds unit, and a first store in the North of England for MINISO. Meanwhile fashion store Levi’s has also relocated from elsewhere in Leeds city centre. The company is now looking for Boutique Sales Assistants to help keep up with anticipated demand upon reopening their huge store in Trinity.
The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.
We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.
To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.
You know, because someone's got to do it.
Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you.
Let's get into it then shall we?
Green Room
36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.
Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?
Headrow House
Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.
A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.
If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.
Azotea
2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.
This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.
IF Rooftop
10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.
Roland's
39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.
This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.
The Woods
5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.
Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.
Headingley Heights
8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It?”: A Story of Survival at Leeds Grand Theatre
Declan Kelly
An unflinching and empowering portrait of Tina Turner’s life.
Bringing the life of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll to the stage, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical arrives at the Leeds Grand Theatre with an energy that is both electrifying and deeply affecting. More than just a celebration of Tina Turner’s iconic career, this production offers a powerful portrayal of the hardship she endured and the extraordinary strength it took to overcome it.
While the musical is packed with well-known hits, it is the story behind them that leaves the greatest impact. From her early years to her rise to global stardom, the production lays bare the reality of Tina’s life, particularly the abuse and control she experienced at the hands of Ike.
These moments are handled with care but never softened, forcing the audience to confront the emotional and physical toll of her journey. It is this honesty that gives the show its real power this is not just a story of success, but one of survival.
Image: Supplied
A standout element of the production is the use of a younger Tina to show the early stages of her life and career. These scenes reveal her vulnerability, ambition, and the experiences that shaped her resilience, giving crucial context to her struggles with Ike and making her eventual empowerment all the more powerful. From hopeful, constrained performer to fiercely independent icon, her journey feels earned and deeply moving.
At the heart of the show is Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi, whose portrayal of Tina is nothing short of extraordinary. She captures every facet of the performer from vulnerability to fierce determination allowing the audience to fully experience Tina’s lowest moments as well as her eventual rise.
Image: Supplied
Opposite her, David King-Yombo delivers a chilling performance as Ike, embodying the manipulation and control that defined their relationship. Their dynamic is deeply uncomfortable at times, but essential in highlighting the magnitude of Tina’s resilience.
Equally striking is the musical’s staging and visual storytelling, which mirrors Tina’s emotional journey. Intimate early-life moments and larger-than-life concert sequences are enhanced with lighting, set design, and choreography.
Iconic numbers such as “Disco Inferno,” “Proud Mary,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and “Private Dancer” are brought to life with golden disco balls and soaring spotlights, celebrating her rise while reflecting her transformation from oppression to empowerment. These moments are met with overwhelming audience enthusiasm, making Tina’s struggles and triumphs feel immediate, immersive, and unforgettable.
Image: Supplied
The only area that felt slightly less polished was the stage combat. While the physical tension between Tina and Ike was effective in conveying conflict and control, some of the choreography occasionally felt a little uneven, which momentarily pulled focus from the emotional intensity of those scenes. Even so, these moments were brief and did little to diminish the overall impact of the production.
By the final moments of the production, Tina prepares once more to take the stage, the narrative comes full circle the show ends the same way it began, with Tina getting ready for her gig. This framing is both thoughtful and powerful, giving the audience a moment to reflect on and celebrate the journey they have just witnessed.
Having experienced her struggles, triumphs, and transformation, the audience is invited to share in the exhilaration of her performance, turning the theatre into a concert-like celebration of resilience, empowerment, and music. As Tina herself, who worked on the production before her passing in 2023, described on opening night, the show is “poison turned into medicine.”
Ultimately, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is a story of empowerment forged through adversity. For audiences at the Leeds Grand Theatre, this is more than a night at the theatre; it is an emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable tribute to a woman who refused to be defined by her past.
Running until 4 April. Tickets available now here.
Sophie Smith -
30th December 2021 
