It's time tuck into some haggis and knock back a few drams of whisky in Leeds for Burns Night.
Come on then, let's party like the Scottish do for Burn's Night because what's not to love when it comes to hearty suppers, haggis, whiskey and poetry?
Held on 25 January every year, Burns Night celebrates the life and works of the Scottish national poet and writer of Auld Lang Syne who was born on this date back in 1759.
The tradition sees many Scots raise a glass to the late poet, whilst tucking into some traditional neeps and tatties and other really Scottish stuff.
So here's a roundup of some five fantastic Burns Night celebrations taking place in Leeds this year for all you foodies out there to get involved.
Whitelock's Ale House
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Turks Head Yard
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where better to celebrate a historical event than the oldest pub in Leeds? They'll be hosting a Burns Night themed supper club which combines Scottish seafood, innovative takes on Scottish classics and of course, the mighty haggis.
Five courses of fantastic food in a lovely setting, you can't go wrong. Book here.
Empire Cafe Leeds
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Fish Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a fan of whiskey then you definitely don't want to miss out on this one. A beautiful 3 course menu paired with 3 cocktails showcasing whiskeys from the Ardbeg Distillery, you'll be transported to whiskey paradise in no time.
Friday 26 and Saturday 27 January 2024 | Harewood Yard, Harewood
Image: Harewood Food and Drink Project
Venture out of the city centre to Harewood and prepare to embark on a journey through a tasting menu exploring the flavours that Scotland has become famous for.
Expect incredible produce, poetry, haggis, a wee dram and bucket loads of tradition. Find out more here.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Thursday 25 January 2024 | 478 Roundhay Rd, Oakwood
If you haven't visited The Cheesy Living Co.'s new site in Oakwood then first of all, why not? And second of all, this is your perfect opportunity.
Get ready for sharing boards, whiskey flights and so much more to get you in the spirit. For just £35 per person, you certainly can't go wrong. Book your table here.
The Ox Club's annual Burn's Night celebrations return and it's set to be one of the best in the city. Four courses featuring some of Scotland's finest flavours, all for just £50 per person? Count us in. Book your table here.
Featured image - Unsplash
News
Opening party announced for Leeds’ newest XL nightclub taking over the old PRYZM site
Leeds-based events brand Mint has officially revealed the location of its highly anticipated new venue, Mint XL.
And it's set to open in none other than the iconic former PRYZM nightclub site on Woodhouse Lane in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Known for its longstanding contribution to the city's electronic music landscape through Mint Festival, the brand is now embarking on its most ambitious venue project to date with the launch of a completely reimagined 2,500-capacity space.
The vast space is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment and full-scale renovation, which will see Mint XL transformed into a state-of-the-art venue built around high-spec production, immersive experiences and forward-thinking programming.
Of course, it's all about the music. So at the heart of the venue is a major commitment to sound and production with a newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system throughout the main space complemented by cutting-edge lighting, immersive visual production and bespoke room design.
Enough of the details though, let's get stuck into when it's actually going to open its doors.
Mint XL will officially launch on Friday 25 September with an opening party curated by renowned electronic music platform system which aims to set the tone for an ambitious inaugural season.
Taking over the entire venue, the event will bring together some of the most respected and influential names in underground electronic music, including Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa, Fumiya Tanaka and Sonja Moonear, alongside a carefully selected lineup of acclaimed artists from across the scene.
Also on the line up is none other than Francesco Del Garda, Truly Madly, Prosumer, Laidlaw, Rich NXT, Voightmann, Foehn & Jerome Kinso, Isabelle Koci and of course long standing residents Annie Errez & Bobby ODonnell.
Tickets for the opening party for Mint XL will go live this Thursday 6 June at 6pm and you can get yours here.
UB40 at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
British-based reggae band UB40 are coming to Leeds for a celebration of all their greatest hits live at First Direct Arena.
Formed in Birmingham in the late 70's, this predominantly dub and reggae band has gone onto achieve much success including 50 UK charting singles.
UB40 have also sold over 100 million records as well as keeping a consistent line-up for almost 30 years, before lead vocalist Ali Campbell decided to leave the band.
Now, the band's lead vocalist is former Kioko lead singer Matt Doyle, who's taken on this role since mid-2021 and is ready to soundtrack your night while you enjoy some 'Red Red Wine'.
There's no official setlist confirmed for their latest tour, however, this 11-piece band have played an array of European dates with a pretty consistent roster of tracks:
Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
Maybe Tomorrow
Homely Girl
Sing Our Own Song
One in Ten
Home
Please Don't Make Me Cry
Many Rivers to Cross
Higher Ground
The Way You Do the Things You Do
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Cherry Oh Baby
Johnny Too Bad
Red Red Wine
Food For Thought
Forever True
Kingston Town
Can't Help Falling in Love
What are the stage times for UB40 in Leeds?
Anyone up for seeing UB40 play out at Leeds' impressive over 13,500 seater First Direct Arena will have to get there a tad early.
Doors will open at 6pm with a gig start time of 6.45pm due to the special guests who will be taking to the stage before them.
Make sure you get down early as you really won't want to miss the phenomenal duo Aswad, as well as standout vocalist Maxi Priest - It really is a reggae revolution.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Clementine Hall -
24th January 2024 
