The Lunar New Year is just a few short days away- how are you planning to celebrate the Year of the Tiger?
Tuesday 1 February is a date you'll want to have marked in your calendar, regardless of whether you're celebraing the Lunar New Year or not. Also know as the Chinese New Year, the date marks the first day of the the year in the lunar calendar, and as such is a time to celebrate.
Typically, there's a full 16 days of activities to get involved in to 'attract fortune and happiness' for the new year. Leeds, as always, is bringing the best of the new year in with hearty menus, killer cocktails and a whole range of dining options made especially to help you celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Here's our top picks for foodie nights out to enjoy during the Lunar New Year.
Nam Song is bringing in the Lunar New Year with a celebration that puts their customers at the heart of it all. Tết is the Vietnamese Celebration of the New Lunar Year and at this time red envelopes filled with money are given to children to bring good luck, health and prosperity, so Nam Song is giving away over 1,000 red envelopes with prizes inside like free bánh mì and coffee for a whole year, your entire bill for free, money off your next visit or even a free drink. If you ever needed a reason to visit, this is certainly a compelling one.
Monday 31 January - Saturday 6 January. Find out more here.
North Brew Co
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's events aplenty brewing over at both North Brew venues this year and their Chinese New Year menu is just one of the innovative one-off menus we're excited for. Keeping everything under wraps until the event itself, North Brew Co will be providing Chinese-inspired cocktails, whilst Little Bao Boys will be serving up some specials for the occasion too. To get your hands on the menu, along with a fortune cookie or two, you can visit either their North Brew Taps or Springwell venues.
Friday 4 February - Saturday 5 February. Find out more here.
Celebrating Chinese New Year with traditional cuisine is our favourite hidden Chinese restaurant, Mans Market. Tucked away in the city centre, their authentic menu has always got us wanting more and no doubt their new year menu will be just the same. Expect Cantonese-style spring rolls, citrus sweet and sticky chicken, hot bean tofu, traditional Chinese curry Can Be Ve and a sweet dessert for vanilla nian gao pot. Need any more of a reason to visit? You can get a starter and main course for £22, with a dessert for just an extra fiver.
Friday 4 February - Sunday 6 February. Find out more here.
The Little Yellow Rice Co. will be taking over the Eat Your Greens kitchen to bring a Lunar New Year feast. Served across four courses, the set menu has been curated around classic Nyonya cuisine and bringing Penang flavours to Leeds. Expect Peranakan favourites like Jiu hu Char, stir-fried yam bean with cuttlefish and dried fish; Assam Prawn, Tamarind prawns cooked in a sweet and sour caramelised sauce; Curry Kapitan, a chicken curry with lemongrass, lime leaf, galangal, coconut milk and shrimp paste, as well as vegan specials like Pengat Pisang, banana and kueh in sweet creamy coconut and pandan sauce.
Tattu have ten days of new year celebrations waiting for you, with the inclusion of a unique Year of the Tiger dessert and Red Envelope Gift Cocktail on offer. The sparkling orange-red concoction is topped with a creamy foam, a macaroon with a tiger stamped on top, representing the new year that we will fall into, the Year of the Tiger and a Hong Bao envelope. Guests are invited to open the envelopes in search of a golden ticket with vouchers inside.
Tuesday 1 February - Thursday 10 February. Find out more here.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Sophie Smith -
27th January 2022 
