The Queens Hotel is set to be transformed to showcase a love-at-first-sight animated graphic novel.
In case you've been living under a rock, Light Night Leeds is returning this month and one of our city's most iconic buildings will be hosting one of the biggest attractions.
'One Second Lovestory' will be projected onto The Queens Hotel as one of the key displays on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October.
The artwork tells the story of two people whose daily routine is interrupted as their eyes meet at a train station in the form of a graphic novel on an impressive scale.
Set in a busy station in the morning with people rushing past with their eyes glued to the floor, the beautiful piece by German artist Dirk Rauscher highlights what can happen when you look up.
Image: Leeds City Council
Just next door to Leeds train station and projected onto The Queens Hotel, the animation celebrates 200 years of the modern passenger railway and is sponsored by Markel.
This year’s theme of Landmarks will celebrate some of the city’s historic buildings, modern architecture and iconic public spaces whilst asking visitors to contemplate their own personal landmarks and the places that are important to them.
Dirk Rauscher said: “This is a visual poem about the perceptions of time, offering a lyrical reflection on how fleeting moments shape our reality.
“Dressed as a graphic novel, it’s telling the story of how the blink of an eye can make all the difference.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “As always, we are very excited to be hosting Light Night Leeds again this year, an event that brings thousands of people together to experience and celebrate artistic ingenuity and our city.
“Dirk Rauscher’s artwork promises to be one of the key installations this year and I look forward to seeing it transform The Queens Hotel.”
One Second Lovestory will be shown between 6.45pm and 10pm on both evenings of Light Night.
An exciting new venue is set to open its doors this year, marking a significant moment for the city’s nightlife scene.
Introducing Mint XL, the latest venture from the team behind the Mint brand that represents the next evolution of a name that has been central to Leeds’ music culture since the 90’s.
Built on over three decades of experience in the industry, the team’s track record spans from intimate club spaces to major outdoor festivals.
Mint XL will build on this knowledge to bring a venue designed to operate on another level, bigger and better than ever before.
Image: Supplied
With a capacity of over 2000 across multiple rooms, Mint XL has been purpose-built to host a wide range of events. Think large-scale electronic music lineups and extended DJ sets to live performances, brand activations, and private hires.
At the heart of the venue is a focus on sound and experience. A newly-installed Funktion-One Vero system will power the main rooms, supported by high-spec production throughout.
Mint XL will also operate a strict no-phones policy during club events, keeping the focus on the music and the moment.
Images: Supplied
“Mint XL is the next chapter for the brand,” says Owner Shane Graham. “From Mint Club through to Mint Festival, we’ve spent nearly two decades building something special in Leeds, and this is a natural progression of that journey. It allows us to take everything we’ve produced over the years and deliver it at a much bigger club setting.”
Director Mikey McMahon adds: “Mint XL is a big step forward for us. It allows us to programme multi-bill lineups at a much bigger scale across multiple rooms, while also expanding beyond electronic music into live bands, private hires, and brand-led events. At its core, we’ve designed it as a fully versatile space that can adapt to different audiences and experiences under one roof.”
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this summer
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this summer.
Clementine Hall -
7th October 2025 
