With help from us at the Hoot, and the luck of the Irish, here are the best places in and around Leeds to celebrate St Patrick's Day this year.
St Patrick's Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a joyous celebration of Irish Culture, taking place on the 17th March. Think Guinness, leprechauns and an abundance of green attire.
Having been deprived of the festivities for two years, venues in Leeds are pulling out all the stops to make up for it. Falling on a Thursday this year, it is the perfect excuse for some mid-week fun. So whether you're Irish or not, raid your wardrobe for all things green and head out in search of some good fortune.
Bongo's Bingo - St Patrick's Day Special
Image: Bongo's BIngo
Looking for somewhere to drink and dance all whilst playing a game of bingo? Bongo's Bingo is the perfect event for you. Offering an immersive, unforgettable experience full of raving, gaming and misbehaving. This St Paddy's themed evening is always a sell out so make sure to grab your ticket in advance. With cash prizes up for grabs, you'll definitely need the luck of the Irish on your side for this one!
Get a strike this St Patrick's Day at the brand spanking new Roxy Lanes in Leeds, based inside The Light. If bowling isn't your thing then do not fear, there's table tennis, beer pong and other activities to challenge your friends to. Make sure to take a break from the competitive sports with one of their fab cocktails or craft beers.
This one is for the foodies. Brontae's in Horsforth are offering a special 5 course tasting menu this St Patrick's Day all for £50 per head. This contemporary restaurant opened in summer last year and chef Dale Spink has been impressing ever since with his British food with a twist. Dishes include lamb rump and trio of cured salmon, or Guinness infused tofu for the vegans out there. You will also receive a free pint of Guinness on arrival, what a winner!
Located on the Headrow, the Horse and Trumpet is a down to earth, classic British pub with great value drinks. And they're really pulling out all the stops to help you enjoy the Irish festivities, offering 4 baby Guinness shots for only £8. Get ready to shamrock and roll!
This Australian themed sports bar know how to host a proper party and this St Paddy's day is no exception. Grab yourself a double Jameson, ginger and lime for just £6 or a Jameson's barrel back shot for just £3.50 when you buy a pint of Guinness. There'll be Live music on all night so make sure to practice your Irish jig in anticipation!
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
14th March 2022 
