At this point, we don't even know how long it's been since we last sat in a movie theatre.
Yes, we've watched our fair share of movies at home this year - and then some. Still, in no way does slobbing out on the sofa come anywhere near close to the real deal.
So it's safe to say we're excited to see some of Leeds' best indie big screen operators return next week. Here's everything you need to know, from opening dates to new film screenings.
Everyman Cinema
Luxe picture house Everyman is set to return on 17th May with screenings including Nomadland, Godzilla vs Kong, Minari and Sound of Metal. With 5 bespoke screening rooms, a large bar and stunning outdoor terrace, you'll be well looked after here.
Cottage Road Cinema
The oldest remaining cinema in continuous use in Leeds, this Headingley favourite has confirmed it will be re-opening on 17th May with screenings of Peter Rabbit 2, Nomadland, The Mauritanian and a one-off schowing of Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.
Ilkley Cinema
This single-screen indie cinema will be returning on Monday, 17th May with a host of new films including Cruella, Say Your Prayers, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Nomadland and Ammonite.
Hyde Park Picture House
This iconic cinema has confirmed its reopening date as Monday, 17th May. Early screenings are set to include Nomadland, Ammonite (a fictionalised account of groundbreaking female paleontologist Mary Anning), and Pedro Almodóvar's new film The Human Voice - a reimagining of Jean Cocteau’s play of the same name.
Cottage Road Cinema
Oakwood Cinema
This community-run cinema is powered entirely by volunteers and supplies the residents of Roundhay and Oakwood. It's still yet to confirm whether it will be reopening and when - with current ticketing info on its website dating back to 2020.
Palace Picture House
This tiny cinema at Armley Mills only seats 24, guaranteeing an intimate viewing experience. Located at Leeds Industrial Museum, there are currently no updates on planned reopening dates for the cinema but the museum will return on Tuesday, 18th May.
News
Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
Yorkshire-set Christmas film by Leeds director starring Richard E. Grant set to hit UK cinemas next month
Clementine Hall
A brand-new Christmas film is hitting cinemas nationwide next month - and it’s a proper Leeds success story.
Jack Spring directed his first feature film at just 19 years old and has spent the last decade carving out a career in independent film, as well as co-founding Leeds-based production company Shush Films.
His first movie, Destination: Dewsbury, was shot just down the road in - you guessed it - Dewsbury. And after moving to Leeds from Grimsby, Jack became determined to build his business from the city, putting down roots and growing his production company here.
Image: Supplied
Now, after years of working on independent projects, Jack has taken his biggest leap yet with a brand-new Christmas film, Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint.
Set in Yorkshire, Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint follows Aubrey Flint, a reclusive model soldier painter with a lifelong hatred of Christmas, who is sentenced to community service at Willow Lodge - a retirement home on the brink of closure.
Roped into helping with a chaotic production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Aubrey clashes with its interesting set of residents...
And the cast is about as star-studded as it gets, featuring Richard E. Grant, John Bradley, Celia Imrie, Adjoa Andoh, Sophia Di Martino, Adrian Rawlins and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Image: Supplied
The heartwarming festive comedy will hit cinemas nationwide on Friday 6 November - a huge milestone for a Leeds-based director and production company, taking a homegrown Yorkshire story to audiences across the country.
You just can't beat a proper wholesome British Christmas film, so you can best believe we'll be watching in the cinema, popcorn in hand.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
