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
Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Featured Images - The Sheff (supplied)
News
The popular Manchester brunch spot serving all things viral is coming to Leeds
Clementine Hall
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
