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
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Slam Dunk festival’s statement in full as director steps down amid allegations
Daisy Jackson
Slam Dunk festival has shared a statement confirming one of its directors has stepped down, in the wake of allegations.
The popular punk festival takes place next month across two sites, one of which is here in Leeds.
This year's line-up is set to include headline performances from the likes of Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
But Slam Dunk has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after allegations against one of its directors came to light.
Slam Dunk said in its statement, which did not get into specifics about the nature of the allegations, that the festival 'remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers'.
They added that the director has stepped down, but 'strongly refutes' the allegations.
The statement then promised 'transparency and honesty' and said that more updates would be provided when appropriate.
Slam Dunk wrote: "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.
"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority.
"While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.
"Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers.
"Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
"However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."
Slam Dunk returns to Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.
Clementine Hall -
24th January 2024 
